Department for Transport

Railways: Passengers

James Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of rail passenger numbers for each of the last 30 years.

Andrew Jones: The Office of Rail and Road publish the total number of rail passenger journeys within Great Britain each year. The number of journeys in each of the last 30 years is provided in the table below: Number of franchised passenger journeys (millions)Financial yearTotal passenger journeys (millions)1988-89822.01989-90812.01990-91810.01991-92792.01992-93770.01993-94740.01994-95735.11995-96761.21996-97800.21997-98845.71998-99891.91999-00931.02000-01956.62001-02959.62002-03975.52003-041,011.72004-051,039.52005-061,076.52006-071,145.02007-081,218.12008-091,266.52009-101,257.92010-111,353.82011-121,460.02012-131,500.92013-141,586.52014-151,653.72015-161,715.92016-171,729.12017-181,705.5 Notes: This data does not include Heathrow Express, Eurostar, non-franchised operators, underground or light rail services. Additional years are available at the following link:http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/02136399-b0c5-4d91-a85e-c01f8a48e07e

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the shipping industry’s compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s 0.5 per cent cap on the sulphur content of shipping exhaust emissions from 1 January 2020 does not have a negative effect on seafarer (a) employment and (b) pay.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: We are not aware of any impacts on seafarer employment or pay from the introduction of the 0.1% limit for the ECAs in 2015. Consequently, we do not expect any significant impact on seafarers from the introduction of the global cap, although we will keep this under review.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has plans to allocate additional funding to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to enabling the Agency to enforce the International Maritime Organisation’s 0.5 per cent cap on the sulphur content of shipping exhaust emissions from 1 January 2020.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many merchant vessels on the UK Ship Register have been fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems; and how many of those vessels have been inspected for compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s 0.5 per cent cap on the sulphur content of shipping exhaust emissions to be introduced on 1 January 2020.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) remains committed to enforce the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) regulations to limit the sulphur content of fuel to 0.5%. To address these commitments, the MCA has already made amendments to its Port State Control regime and will enforce the fuel sulphur limits after 1st January 2020 using the powers in its Merchant Shipping regulations. These developments have been undertaken as business as usual for the Agency. Should additional guidance be produced by the IMO in early 2020 the MCA will review the funding available and adjust if necessary. Although the MCA has an interest in the mandatory equipment fitted to individual vessels on the UK Ship Register, the MCA has not identified a need to generate statistical information for the UK Ship Register as a whole, such as the number of vessels which are fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems. The sulphur content of a vessel’s fuel is within the scope of the Port State Control inspection regime and therefore vessels on the UK Ship Register are subject to inspection and fuel sampling at such inspections. Again, the MCA has not identified a need to generate statistical information on the merchant vessels which have been subject to these inspections.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an estimate of the investment required by ports to provide access to alternative fuel sources in order to comply with international regulations on the greenhouse gas content of exhaust emissions from merchant shipping.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an estimate of the investment required in the national ports network to provide adequate access to alternative fuel sources in order to comply with international regulations on the greenhouse gas content of exhaust emissions from merchant shipping.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Initial Strategy on Greenhouse Gas does not currently include specific regulatory requirements beyond high level objectives. The detailed requirements are now under development at the IMO and the UK is playing an active role in the debate. To inform these negotiations, the Department has commissioned external research that includes consideration of the need for alternative fuels and the potential impact on fuel infrastructure. This research will be completed in late Spring 2019 and will be used in further impact assessments as measures are developed at the IMO. The Government regularly engages with ports on environmental issues that affect the sector, including the provision of alternative fuels.

Shipping: Registration

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many vessels were re-registered from the UK Ship Register in each month between January 2018 and January 2019.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The number of vessels over 100 Gross Tonnage (GT) that had their registration restored (re-registered) on the UK Ship Register in each month between January 2018 and January 2019 is shown below: MonthTotal >100 GTJanuary 20183February 187March 183April 183May 182June 181July 180August 180September 182October 184November 186December 182January 192

M5: Accidents

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what date his (a) Ministers and (b) officials were informed of the circumstances of the September 2017 M5 van crash in which five people died; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency staff attended the scene of the collision on 16th September 2017, and recognised that tyre damage had occurred. In November 2017, the Department for Transport became aware of a Police report relating to the collision that cited tyre age as an issue and immediately commissioned an independent examination of the tyre. This reported in December 2017 and a further forensic examination was commissioned. This reported in October 2018 and Ministers were informed of the findings in early November 2018.In parallel with these investigations specialist research was contracted in January 2018 to examine the wider issue of tyre ageing. This is expected to report in spring 2019.Given the emerging evidence on tyre safety, the Government announced on 26 February that it will consult on options to ban older tyres from use on buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles and minibuses to help keep road users safe.

M5: Accidents

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the recent conclusion of the inquest into the September 2017 M5 van crash in which five people died informed his decision to consult on banning dangerous old tyres.

Jesse Norman: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

HS2 Design Panel

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the (a) costs and (b) expenses attributed to the HS2 Design Panel since the Panel's formation.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: This is a matter for HS2 Ltd.

Driving: Diabetes

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the DVLA  plans to update its guidance for drivers with diabetes who take insulin on using Flash GM and Continuous Glucose Monitoring technologies to monitor their blood glucose levels.

Jesse Norman: The guidance on the use of new monitoring technologies for people with diabetes was updated on 15 February and is available online at: www.gov.uk/guidance/diabetes-mellitus-assessing-fitness-to-drive#diabetes-mellitus .

Driving: Autism

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the evidential basis was for the DVLA's decision to classify autism spectrum disorders as a condition which must be declared.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the DVLA has taken to ensure that people with autism spectrum disorders are aware of the recent changes that mean they need to declare their diagnosis.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which stakeholder groups the DVLA engaged with when deciding that autistic spectrum disorders needed to be declared.

Jesse Norman: There has been some confusion as a result of a good-faith attempt by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to remove some inconsistency in relation to the longstanding guidance for drivers with an autism spectrum disorder. The online advice for both drivers and medical professionals now makes clear that drivers with an autism spectrum disorder are only under an obligation to tell the DVLA if their condition could affect their driving. This has been communicated via social and other media.The DVLA regularly engages with charities representing the needs of drivers with medical conditions to ensure their views are considered.

Taxis: CCTV

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of CCTV installed in taxi and private hire vehicles on improving passenger safety.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Department’s view is that the use of CCTV can provide a safer environment for the benefit of taxi and private hire vehicle passengers and drivers. The impact assessment that accompanies the Department’s consultation on statutory guidance for local licensing authorities considers in-vehicle CCTV and the costs and benefits of this. Benefits include improved passenger safety as the presence of CCTV is a deterrent to crime.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Disclosure of Information

James Frith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received in the last six months on the (a) level of charges levied by the DVLA to private parking companies seeking data on vehicle owners and (b) level of proof required by the DVLA before that data is released.

Jesse Norman: In the last six months, Department for Transport Ministers have answered two Parliamentary Questions about the level of charges for the release of information to private parking management companies. In the same period, two letters from Members of Parliament were received by Department for Transport Ministers about the level of proof required to support such requests.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Fracking: Research

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding has been allocated to research on fracking in 2019.

Claire Perry: We are committed to ensuring a rigorous, evidence-based approach to oil and gas extraction, and other sub-surface technologies such as geothermal heat. Fundamental research is the responsibility of research councils - independent from Government in their decision making - who are funding a number of relevant programmes.The Natural Environment Research Council’s Geo Energy Observatories (UK GEOS) is a government funded project (£31m) with two world-leading centres for research, technology and monitoring of the subsurface that will provide open-data for academia, industry and regulators. Researchers will be able to use the observatories to determine the effect of subsurface energy technologies like those used in geothermal and shale gas extraction. UK GEOS could capture valuable data on nearby shale sites if operations go ahead. It is anticipated that the facilities will be operational by autumn 2019.NERC and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have also invested £8 million in a research programme on unconventional hydrocarbons in the UK energy system: environmental and socio-economic impacts and processes. The outcome of this research programme will be to update the independent scientific evidence base to understand potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of unconventional hydrocarbon development.A list of the successful bids, details of their funding and timescales of the research can be found here: http://gotw.nerc.ac.uk/list_them.asp?them=Uncon+Hydrocarbons&cookieConsent=AThe Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy also currently grant funds a research consortium led by the British Geological Survey (BGS) to deliver an environmental monitoring programme in and around the first shale sites in Lancashire and North Yorkshire where applications for shale gas wells have been made. Since January 2015, researchers have been gathering baseline data on a number of environmental parameters including ground water & air quality, seismicity, radon and ground motion.This information is made freely available to the public and supports peer-reviewed science. It will also inform future best practice, enable new technologies to be developed, and develop the UK skill base. The cost to grant-fund this programme is £1 million for the 2018/19 financial period.Since 2015, the Department has also funded a research consortium led by Bristol University with the aim of developing a better understanding of natural induced microearthquakes and the application of microseismic monitoring to the oil and gas industry, to support regulatory decisions and improve public engagement. The cost to fund this is £19,000 per annum.

Renewable Energy: Finance

Dr Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Targeted Charging Review on the business case for renewable energy to be merchantable without subsidy.

Claire Perry: Ofgem’s Targeted Charging Review is seeking to ensure all parties connected to the electricity network make a fair contribution to the fixed network costs. As was outlined in the ‘After the Trilemma’ speech of 15 November 2018, it is important that we develop an energy system that discourages free riding and ensures a fair distribution of costs. Network charging is a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator, and decisions on its Targeted Charging Review are for it to make. However, Government is working to understand the policy implications of Ofgem’s review proposals across a broad range of interests, including renewable energy. Ofgem’s published analysis shows there is a risk that the proposals could affect the investment decisions of some renewable energy projects, and this view is reflected in stakeholder feedback.

Fracking: Compensation

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which (a) companies, (b) organisations and (c) Government Departments are liable for compensation claims for damage as a result of induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing operations.

Claire Perry: As part of the Oil and Gas Authority’s (OGA) assessment of an application for hydraulic fracturing operations, the OGA requires the operator to have in place the necessary funds or an insurance policy (including third-party liability) that will cover unforeseen events. All companies on a licence share joint and several liability for obligations and liabilities that arise under it throughout the lifecycle of the licence.

Fracking: Compensation

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which (a) companies, (b) organisations and (c) Government Department's will be liable for the long-term (i) decommissioning of hydraulic fracturing wells and (ii) associated effects of hydraulic fracturing operations in the event that the licensed operator goes out of business.

Claire Perry: To date, only two wells in the UK have been hydraulically fractured, at Cuadrilla’s sites at Preese Hall and Preston New Road in Lancashire. The well at Preese Hall has been fully plugged and abandoned, while Preston New Road is still operational.Hydraulic Fracturing Consent (HFC) will not be issued unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so. My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State is entitled to refuse HFC and/or, in certain circumstances, can impose conditions to provide additional protections. As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement [HCWS428] of 25 January 2018, as a matter of policy the Government will look at the financial status of all companies wishing to carry out hydraulic fracturing operations, including their ability to fund decommissioning costs. Suitable conditions may be put in place to provide assurance that these costs can be covered.

Fracking: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the cold venting of fugitive gasses is allowed to occur at hydraulic fracturing operations.

Claire Perry: Management of fugitive emissions from shale well sites is regulated by the Environment Agency through the environmental permit. As part of the permit application, an operator will need to describe in their Environmental Risk Assessment, Waste Management Plan and in an Emissions Monitoring Plan how they will manage on-site fugitive emissions.The environmental permits issued to date for sites that involve hydraulic fracturing only allow the venting of natural gas for safety reasons and when carrying out maintenance operations. Venting during routine operations is not permitted by the Environment Agency.All environmental and waste permits in relation to Preston New Road can be found on the Environment Agency site: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/onshore-oil-and-gas/information-on-cuadrillas-preston-new-road-site/.

Fracking: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what regulatory conditions are in place to detect unrecovered fugitive gas and fluid from hydraulic fracturing operations.

Claire Perry: Management of emissions from shale well sites is regulated by the Environment Agency through the environmental permits. The permit sets out legally binding conditions on a site by site basis for how activities must be carried out so that the environment is protected.Operators are required to carry out emissions monitoring, including monitoring of methane to air before and during shale gas operations. They also need to have an agreed gas management plan for leak detection and repair for the lifetime of site operations.The Hydraulic Fracture Plan sets out how an operator controls and monitors the fracturing process. It needs to be approved by the Environment Agency and by the Oil and Gas Authority. The Environment Agency has to be satisfied that the operator has the controls in place to know where fractures go, where waste fluid is left behind underground and that groundwater protection measures continue to operate effectively.All environmental and waste permits in relation to Preston New Road can be found on the Environment Agency site: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/onshore-oil-and-gas/information-on-cuadrillas-preston-new-road-site/.

Fracking: Waste Disposal

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what processes hydraulic fracturing operators have to follow to dispose of waste; and what the final resting location is for hydraulic fracturing waste.

Claire Perry: All oil and gas exploratory sites need to hold permits under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. Any company managing extractive waste is required to draw up a Waste Management Plan that has to be approved by the Environment Agency.The Waste Management Plan describes the processes and the types of extractive waste that will be generated at the site and sets out how the operator will monitor, manage, minimise, reuse, recycle and safely dispose of the extractive waste at an appropriately licenced facility.All environmental and waste permits in relation to Preston New Road can be found on the Environment Agency site: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/onshore-oil-and-gas/information-on-cuadrillas-preston-new-road-site/.

Fracking: Regulation

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether shale gas regulators have an agreed process for safe recycling of flowback from hydraulic fracturing operations.

Claire Perry: Flowback fluids are deemed to be a mining waste under the Mining Waste Directive and require an environmental permit for management on site.A company wishing to use hydraulic fracturing would need approval from the Environment Agency on its proposed methods for safe reuse and recycling as part of its Waste Management Plan. The Environment Agency and the European Commission have provided guidance on appropriate methods and techniques. This assessment is made on a case by case basis.The Environment Agency has adopted a precautionary approach and does not allow the re-injection of flowback fluid for disposal underground.All environmental and waste permits in relation to Preston New Road can be found on the Environment Agency site: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/onshore-oil-and-gas/information-on-cuadrillas-preston-new-road-site/.

Fracking: Regulation

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reasons shale gas regulators do not conduct independent well integrity reports for hydraulic fracturing operations.

Claire Perry: The Infrastructure Act 2015 makes it clear that hydraulic fracturing activities cannot take place unless an independent inspection of the well has been carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State will not issue a Hydraulic Fracturing Consent unless he is satisfied this has happened. Specifically, the Secretary of State will require a certificate from the HSE confirming that an inspection of the well site has been carried out by its inspectors. To this end, every shale well site will receive an on-site inspection by the HSE as well as the Environment Agency in the exploration stage. Through notifications and weekly reports made by the well operator, the HSE also inspects well design and monitors progress to ensure the operator manages risks effectively throughout the life cycle of the well. The HSE’s inspection of these notifications and weekly reports, which occurs before and during construction, is carried out by specialist wells inspectors. Any significant changes to well construction are subject to the same scrutiny.

Fracking: Earthquakes

Lee Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the traffic light monitoring system for regulating fracking-induced seismicity, for what reasons red events are allowed as part of an operator’s hydraulic fracturing plan.

Claire Perry: Under the Traffic Light System (TLS), regulated by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), if a seismic event of magnitude 0.5 or above is detected (a “red event”), injection must be paused and pressure in the well be reduced, followed by monitoring for a minimum of 18 hours to determine the cause of the seismic event. This precautionary threshold is set at a level well below what could be felt at the surface. This threshold and pause in operations allows the OGA to review the event to ensure it is in line with the geological understanding set out in the Hydraulic Fracture Plan (HFP), which must be agreed with regulators before operations can commence, and that the risk of induced seismicity is being appropriately managed by the operator.

Climate Change: Demonstrations

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he plans to hold a meeting with some of the youth climate strikers.

Claire Perry: Climate change is one of the most urgent and pressing challenges we face, and it is encouraging to see young people demonstrating their passion for action on the future of our planet. I engage regularly with stakeholders and would be happy to meet with some of the youth climate strikers.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Parental Leave and Parental Pay

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has plans to extend (a) maternity and (b) paternity leave and pay for parents of (i) very sick and (ii) premature children.

Kelly Tolhurst: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

International Labour Organisation

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to increase the number of labour market inspectors in line with the International Labour Organisation benchmark of one for every 10,000 workers.

Kelly Tolhurst: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Minimum Wage: Non-payment

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to increase prosecution and conviction rates for non-payment of the minimum wage.

Kelly Tolhurst: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Business: Regulation

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress his Department has made on reducing regulation.

Kelly Tolhurst: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Fracking: Regulation

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the consent process for acidising is the same as for fracking; how many applications for acidising have been granted in the last five years for which figures are available; and what health and safety critieria have to be met as part of that consent process.

Claire Perry: Acidisation refers to a number of techniques used to clean wells to improve productivity. Activities at oil and gas sites (including acidisation) are controlled under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and regulated by the Environment Agency.When assessing an environmental permit application the Environment Agency considers the proposed activity, the chemicals and products used in the process, waste management and the environmental setting. The permit ensures that there are appropriate mitigation measures in place to protect people and the environment. If the proposed activity poses an unacceptable risk to the environment it will not be permitted.There are currently 78 onshore oil and gas sites permitted by the Environment Agency, some of these sites will be allowed to use the acidisation technique as part of their processes.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of granting representation in the House of Commons to representatives of Gibraltar.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government of Gibraltar has not made any representations to Her Majesty's Government to propose representation in the House of Commons. We believe the fundamentals of our constitutional relationship are right but we are open to dialogue on any proposals put forward by the Government of Gibraltar.

Travel Information: Egypt

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security of UK citizens visiting Sharm el Sheikh; if he will review his travel advice on that area; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: Holding answer received on 07 March 2019



Our travel advice is kept under constant review. Our security experts take account of many factors in providing advice on whether it is safe to fly to certain destinations and the Government has not yet concluded that it is right to lift the restrictions on direct UK flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh. We look forward to achieving the return of flights once the situation allows. The advice against all but essential travel applies only to air travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh; it does not apply to the resort itself.

South Sudan: Human Rights

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the strengthening of human rights in South Sudan.

Harriett Baldwin: The human rights situation in South Sudan continues to be of serious concern. Our efforts focus on supporting the peace agreement signed in September 2018, as without progress on this there is little hope for improvement in human rights. We are working with our partners to ensure accountability for those who work against peace in the form of sanctions and to ensure the parties to the agreement deliver their commitments.At the Human Rights Council we are leading efforts to renew the mandate for the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, which provides a vital reporting mechanism for maintaining pressure on the Government of South Sudan. In the longer term, initiatives such as DFID's Girls Education programme and funding to an International Medical Corps programme that works to support survivors of gender-based violence, are important development tools that will improve human rights in South Sudan.

African Union

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what her Department’s priorities are for the upcoming African Union Summit in Niger; and whether representatives from the Government plan to attend.

Harriett Baldwin: ​The next African Union (AU) Executive Council will be on 4-5 July 2019 in Niamey, Niger. It will take place along-side the first Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the AU and the African Regional Economic Communities on 7-8 July. Attendance at such events by partners like the United Kingdom is by invitation. The Government's priorities for the AU are reflected in the strategic partnership agreement between the AU and the United Kingdom signed in Addis Ababa on 21 February 2019. Through this partnership we will work together to support a shared vision for a prosperous, secure and innovative Africa, building on growing economic ties to forge new opportunities for young people and reinforce our close bonds. Further information on the partnership can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-invest-up-to-30m-through-partnership-with-african-union

Yemen: Military Intervention

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to prevent Saudi Arabia from employing child soldiers in Yemen.

Alistair Burt: We are firmly committed to ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers and to protecting all children affected by armed conflict.The UK is an active member of the UN Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), which leads the international response to the issue of child soldiers and child protection. This includes pressing those parties to conflict listed in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on CAAC, including Yemen, to enter into concrete action plans with the UN to verify and release child soldiers.The UK is also the largest single financial contributor to the office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for CAAC, contributing £800,000 in the last five years. We have shown our support for the SRSG's recently launched Global Coalition for Reintegration (GCR) by joining the 'Friends of Reintegration' group, a forum to generate new ideas for supporting reintegration programmes and for the prevention of re-recruitment of children formerly associated with armed groups. The UK has confirmed it will be increasing its funding to the office of the SRSG for CAAC to £450,000 for the FY19/20 to continue assisting the SRSG with her current mandate, and will be giving an additional £50,000 to fund extended activities pertaining to the GCR.

Sudan: Politics and Government

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if the Government will issue a formal statement in support of the uprising against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

Harriett Baldwin: ​The UK remains deeply concerned by the response to recent protests in Sudan, including the implementation of a year-long state of emergency on 22 February. We have been clear that the legitimate grievances expressed by protesters must be addressed, most recently in a statement made on 26 February with the USA, Norway and Canada. We continue to monitor the situation.

North Korea: USA

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the US Administration on the recent summit between the leaders of the US and North Korea in Vietnam.

Sir Alan Duncan: We work closely with the US on a wide range of issues, including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of issues with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier this week, including the DPRK summit.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Saudi Arabian counterparts on the use of Sudanese child soldiers within the Yemeni civil war during his recent visit to the Gulf.

Alistair Burt: Holding answer received on 07 March 2019



We raise allegations of human rights issues, including child soldiers, with all parties to the conflict in Yemen. We have been clear that all parties must comply with IHL. We do not hold any specific information relating to the number of child soldiers of Sudanese origin involved in the conflict.We are firmly committed to ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers and to protecting all children affected by armed conflict.The UK is an active member of the UN Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), which leads the international response to the issue of child soldiers and child protection. This includes pressing those parties to conflict listed in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on CAAC, including Yemen, to enter into concrete action plans with the UN to verify and release child soldiers.The UK is also the largest single financial contributor to the office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for CAAC, contributing £800,000 in the last five years. We have shown our support for the SRSG's recently launched Global Coalition for Reintegration (GCR) by joining the 'Friends of Reintegration' group, a forum to generate new ideas for supporting reintegration programmes and for the prevention of re-recruitment of children formerly associated with armed groups. The UK has confirmed it will be increasing its funding to the office of the SRSG for CAAC to £450,000 for the FY19/20 to continue assisting the SRSG with her current mandate, and will be giving an additional £50,000 to fund extended activities pertaining to the GCR.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Departments holds on the number of child soldiers of Sudanese origin who have been involved in the Yemeni civil war.

Alistair Burt: Holding answer received on 07 March 2019



We raise allegations of human rights issues, including child soldiers, with all parties to the conflict in Yemen. We have been clear that all parties must comply with IHL. We do not hold any specific information relating to the number of child soldiers of Sudanese origin involved in the conflict.We are firmly committed to ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers and to protecting all children affected by armed conflict.The UK is an active member of the UN Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), which leads the international response to the issue of child soldiers and child protection. This includes pressing those parties to conflict listed in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on CAAC, including Yemen, to enter into concrete action plans with the UN to verify and release child soldiers.The UK is also the largest single financial contributor to the office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for CAAC, contributing £800,000 in the last five years. We have shown our support for the SRSG's recently launched Global Coalition for Reintegration (GCR) by joining the 'Friends of Reintegration' group, a forum to generate new ideas for supporting reintegration programmes and for the prevention of re-recruitment of children formerly associated with armed groups. The UK has confirmed it will be increasing its funding to the office of the SRSG for CAAC to £450,000 for the FY19/20 to continue assisting the SRSG with her current mandate, and will be giving an additional £50,000 to fund extended activities pertaining to the GCR.

Sierra Leone: Politics and Government

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the state of political and constitutional freedoms in Sierra Leone; and what steps his Department has taken in response to recent political and constitutional events in Sierra Leone.

Harriett Baldwin: ​The Government welcomes the recent launch by the Government of Sierra Leone of its Medium Term National Economic Development plan. In that context, the UK, and partners have raised concerns with the Government about its policy on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) contained in the new Development Cooperation Framework (DCF). I recently met with Foreign Minister Dr. Alie Kabba and emphasised the importance of giving NGOs the space to operate and contribute to Sierra Leone's development. We welcome further discussions on the content of the DCF to ensure that the valuable work of NGOs in Sierra Leone is unhindered.

Eritrea: Armed Forces

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions has he had with his counterpart in the Government of Eritrea on reducing the number of people conscripted into the (a) armed forces and (b) security services.

Harriett Baldwin: ​I raised the UK's concerns on the human rights situation in Eritrea directly with the Eritrean Foreign Minister when I met him in September, including the length and breadth of National Service. I expressed our hope that positive developments in the region will lead to reform of National Service and improvements in the human rights situation in Eritrea.

Russia: INF Treaty

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the weaponry owned by Russia is that has resulted in that country being in violation of its INF Treaty obligations; and what the location is of that weaponry.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​On 4 December 2018, NATO Allies declared that Russia has developed and fielded the 9M729 missile system, violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and posing significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security. We fully support the assessment that Russia's covert testing, production and fielding of this ground-launched cruise missile system is a material breach of the INF Treaty.

Department of Health and Social Care

Medical Treatments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many applications for products not yet on the market were made to NICE in each year from 2016 to 2018; and how many of those applications were granted.

Steve Brine: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations on whether specific drugs and other treatments represent a clinically and cost-effective use of National Health Service resources through its technology appraisal and highly specialised technologies programmes. Topics are identified through an established topic selection process and formally referred to NICE by Ministers. Companies do not apply to NICE for an assessment and NICE does not grant applications. NICE aims to issue recommendations on new drugs referred to it within a few months of licensing and therefore normally begins its appraisal process before the drug receives a marketing authorisation.

Diabetes: Prescription Drugs

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the cost to the NHS of diabetes drugs prescriptions by CCG from 2018 to date.

Steve Brine: NHS Digital oversees the publication of ‘Prescribing for Diabetes’ which reports on and examines prescribing trends on medicines prescribed in primary care in England for the treatment and monitoring of diabetes. Data for the year 2018/19 will be published in November 2019 and the report for 2017/18 can be accessed at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/prescribing-for-diabetes

Accident and Emergency Departments: Disclosure of Information

Sir Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which hospitals with A&E Departments are not fully co-operating with the Information Sharing to Tackle Violence scheme.

Jackie Doyle-Price: This information is not held centrally.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Standards

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in (i) four hours and (ii) more than four hours in (A) Jarrow constituency, (B) South Tyneside, (C) the North East and (D) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in (i) four hours and (ii) more than four hours in (A) Jarrow constituency, (B) South Tyneside, (C) the North East and (D) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of patients have been treated or admitted to A&E departments in three hours in (a) the Jarrow Constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East, and (d) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in three hours in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in two hours in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East, and (iv) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in two hours in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in less than one hour in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been (a) treated by and (b) admitted to A&E departments in less than one hour in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) the UK in each year since 2010.

Stephen Hammond: Data is not available in the format requested. A count of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances (excluding planned) and as a proportion in England attendances where the duration to departure is under one hour, from one to under two hours, from two to under three hours, from three to under four hours, four hours or more and a count of those that are admitted to hospital from A&E in each hour as a number and percentage by the Jarrow constituency, South Tyneside local district authority, the North East government region of residence, and England, from 2010-11 to 2017-18, is attached.



PQ226562-569 attached data
(Excel SpreadSheet, 50.9 KB)

Fibromyalgia

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people with fibromyalgia.

Steve Brine: The Department is committed to making sure people with long term conditions receive the personalised care and support they need. As set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, published on 7 January 2019, NHS England is taking action in range of areas to improve the care treatment and support provided to people with neurological conditions including rolling out the NHS Comprehensive Model of Personalised Care across the country, reaching 2.5 million people by 2023/24.

Eating Disorders: Health Services

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans the Government has to ensure that people with eating disorders are able to access treatment and support.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Government is committed to ensuring everyone with an eating disorder has access to timely treatment based on clinical need. Early intervention is crucial when helping people with an eating disorder, this is why we set up the first waiting times to improve access to eating disorders services for children and young people - so that by 2020/21 95% of children with an eating disorder will receive treatment within one week for urgent cases and within four weeks for routine cases and latest figures indicate that the National Health Service is on track to meet that standard. For children and young people aged between eight and 18 years, the Government is investing £150 million to expand eating disorder services and staff for 70 extended or newly established community eating disorder services. This has led to swift access to effective eating disorder treatment in the community, with the number of children and young people accessing treatment increasing from 5,243 in 2016/17 to 6,867 in 2017/18. The NHS Long Term Plan commits to “test four-week waiting times for adult and older adult community mental health teams, with selected local areas”. The exact scope and timelines of these pilots are yet to be finalised but we envisage that this will include testing waiting times for adult eating disorder services in those areas in receipt of new funding to expand these services.

Women's Health Taskforce for England

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who are the core members are of the Women’s Health Taskforce for England.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The core members of the Women’s Health Taskforce are:- Jackie Doyle-Price MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Mental Health, Inequalities, and Suicide Prevention (co-chair);- Professor Lesley Regan, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (co-chair);- Kate Brian, Women’s Voices Lead at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists;- Dr Matthew Jolly, National Clinical Director for Maternity and Women’s Health at NHS England;- Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Medical Director of Public Health England;- Dr June Raine, Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency;- Sarah Wilkinson, Chief Executive of NHS Digital;- Jane Ray, Head of Hospital Inspections (Mental Health) at the Care Quality Commission;- Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Vice-Chair of Professional Development at the Royal College of General Practitioners;- Claire Sanderson, Editor of Women’s Health magazine;- Clare Ettinghausen, Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority;- Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Head of Maternity, Children, and Young People at NHS England;- Professor Wendy Reid, Medical Director of Health Education England; and- Professor Sue Ziebland, Professor of Medical Sociology at the University of Oxford.

Women's Health Taskforce for England

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the terms of reference are for the women’s health taskforce for England.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Women’s Health Taskforce considered a draft Terms of Reference at its meeting on 31 January 2019. The draft text is attached, and may be subject to revision at future meetings of the Taskforce and as the work of the Taskforce develops.



PQ226641 attached information
(Word Document, 21.35 KB)

Women's Health Taskforce for England

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how he plans to inform (a) the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy and (b) other patient groups about the (i) agendas and (ii) minutes of the meetings of the women’s health taskforce for England.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how he plans to ensure that (a) the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy and (b) other patient groups are able to influence the (i) agendas for meetings and (ii) work of the women’s health taskforce for England.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Women’s Health Taskforce has held two meetings, on 15 November 2018 and 31 January 2019. The first meeting discussed scope and membership, and the second meeting discussed a draft Terms of Reference for the group and the theme of unplanned pregnancy. The Taskforce intends to take a themed approach to future meetings, and will consider how campaign and patient groups such as the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy could be involved and informed as relevant topics arise.

Nurses: Training

Faisal Rashid: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if the Government will make it its policy to reinstate nurse bursaries.

Stephen Hammond: The Government has no plans to reinstate the bursaries for nursing degrees and is committed to increasing uptake of the additional places these reforms have made available. The intention of the funding reforms was to unlock the cap which constrained the number of pre-registration nursing training places, and to allow more students to gain access to nurse degree training courses, creating a sustainable model for universities and securing the future supply of homegrown nurses to the National Health Service. In support of the reforms, we announced additional clinical placement funding to make available 5,000 more nurse training places each year from September 2018 and 3,000 more midwifery training places over the next four years. Students on the loans system are at least 25% better off than they were under the previous bursary system. In recognition of the additional costs that the healthcare students incur in order to attend the mandatory clinical placement, the Government introduced the Learning Support Fund, a £1,000 per student, per year for child dependent allowance, reimbursement of all travel costs above their usual daily travel and up to £3,000 per year for exceptional hardship. These payments are in addition to the allowances on the student loans system. On 7 February, the University and College Admissions Service published full-time undergraduate nursing and midwifery applications made by the 15 January deadline. This data showed a 4.5% increase in applicants to undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses at English providers. We are working with Health Education England and the university sector to ensure students continue to apply for these courses this year and in future years.

Medical Treatments

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department will provide funding to  to hospital trusts to cover additional medical air freight costs for (a) radioisotopes for cancer treatment and (b) other treatments that cannot be stockpiled in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Hammond: In August, the Department asked suppliers to ensure they have plans in place to air freight short shelf-life medicines, including medical radioisotopes, to avoid any border delays that may arise at the end of March in the event of a ‘no deal’ exit from the European Union. We continue to work closely with industry in considering how the Department may support suppliers in making arrangements to meet this expectation, and with NHS England to monitor medicines costs to the National Health Service. Any increase to the list price of a branded medicine may only be made with the agreement of the Department.

Dental Services: Fees and Charges

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with local authorities on ensuring the adequacy of the provision of guidance for the most vulnerable people on their entitlement to free dental health care in certain circumstances.

Steve Brine: No discussions have taken place with local authorities about the adequacy of guidance for vulnerable people on their entitlement for free dental health care. However, the Department, NHS Business Services Authority and NHS England recognise concerns that some patients may not be clear on whether they are exempt from charges and have been working to further improve the information available to patients around eligibility. This includes promoting an easy read patient information booklet, creating an online eligibility checker and developing a national awareness campaign. Information on which groups of patients are exempt is widely available. All dental practices providing National Health Service care are contractually required to display a standard poster setting out current NHS charges and highlighting that patients may be exempt from or entitled to help with charges. This poster along with a patient leaflet setting out NHS dental entitlements in more detail, is provided free of charge to every practice in England delivering NHS dental treatment. As well as in all NHS dental practices information on charges and exemptions is also available through other channels such as the NHS Website dental section (formerly NHS Choices) and in the NHS ‘help with health costs’ booklet. NHS England also runs periodic local initiatives, where it assesses whether there is a need to further raise awareness locally among those patients who may be exempt or are through low income entitled to partial help with costs.

Asthma: Prescriptions

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons people with asthma are charged for their medication; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: Unless a valid exemption has been declared the current statutory applicable charge of £8.80 is payable for each prescription item, dispensed in the community in England. Asthma is not listed as a medical condition that provides exemption from National Health Service prescription charges. However, there are extensive arrangements in place to help people afford NHS prescriptions. These include a broad range of non-medical prescription charge exemptions, for which someone with asthma may qualify. The Department has no current plans to amend or extend these exemptions. People on a low income, who do not qualify for an exemption, may be eligible for full or partial help with prescription charges through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme. To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates are available. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just £2 per week.

Asthma: Prescriptions

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential health benefits of extending free prescriptions to people with asthma.

Steve Brine: The Department has no plans to make such an assessment. Extensive arrangements are in place to help people afford National Health Service prescriptions. These include a broad range of prescription charge exemptions, for which someone with asthma may qualify. The Department has no current plans to amend these exemptions, including the list of medical conditions that provides exemption from prescription charges. People on a low income, who do not qualify for an exemption, may be eligible for full or partial help with prescription charges through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme. To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates are available. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just £2 per week.

Asthma: Prescriptions

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to include asthma in the prescription charges exemptions list.

Steve Brine: Extensive arrangements are already in place to help people afford National Health Service prescriptions. These include a broad range of prescription charge exemptions, for which someone with asthma may qualify. The Department has no current plans to amend these exemptions, including the list of medical conditions that provides exemption from prescription charges. People on a low income, who do not qualify for an exemption, may be eligible for full or partial help with prescription charges through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme. To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates are available. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just £2 per week.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2019 to Question 224315, for what reasons his Department has not made a recent estimate based on up to date prices of the cost to the NHS of treating injuries caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Steve Brine: Updating cost estimates of alcohol harm is complex because circumstances, prevalence and treatments may have changed. The Department is exploring the possibility and feasibility of carrying out research to update the cost estimates that are currently available.

HIV Infection: Drugs

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February to Question 222647 on HIV: Infection, what the timetable is for the review of the number of places available on the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Impact trial by the PrEP Oversight Board.

Steve Brine: On 30 January, my Rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Impact trial would be expanded to 26,000 people. Rollout of additional places on the trial is now commencing and will be an important element in our HIV prevention efforts.

Suicide: Veterans

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department collects data on the (a) number of armed forces veterans who have died by suicide each year and (b) that same information by local authority area.

Jackie Doyle-Price: We do not collect this information centrally.

Nurses: Training

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of nurses in England in training compared with other countries on which information is available in each year for which information is available.

Stephen Hammond: The information is not collected in the format requested. The Department does not hold data on totals in training across international health systems.

Health Professions: Training

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent progress he has made on training 10,000 more healthcare students by 2020, and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Hammond: The Government reformed the education funding system for pre-registration nursing, midwifery and allied health profession students by removing the artificial cap which the National Health Service bursary imposed on the system; enabling universities to train additional healthcare students. To enable universities to train up to 10,000 more healthcare students, the Department has provided additional funding for clinical placements so that up to 25% more healthcare students can enter training. The latest data from the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) shows that applications for full-time undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses has increased by 4.5% when compared to the equivalent point in 2018. The Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education will continue to work jointly, and with their health and education partners to assess student demand and university capacity for these healthcare courses. The UCAS end-of-cycle recruitment data will be published in December 2019.

General Practitioners: Recruitment

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress the Government has made towards meeting its target of recruiting 5,000 more GPs by 2020; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: In 2015 the Government set the ambitious target to recruit 5,000 additional general practitioners (GPs) by 2020. It was double the growth rate of previous years, but it showed a commitment to growing a strong and sustainable general practice for the future. The government is still determined to deliver this commitment as soon as possible. The recently published NHS Long Term Plan made a clear commitment to the future of general practice, with primary and community care set to receive at least £4.5 billion more in real terms a year by 2023/24, meaning spending on these services will grow faster than the rising NHS budget. Since the launch of the Long Term Plan, NHS England and the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee have agreed a five-year GP (General Medical Services) contract framework from 2019/20. The new contract framework will be essential to deliver the ambitions set out in the NHS Long Term Plan through strong general practice services. NHS England and Health Education England (HEE) are working together with the profession to increase the GP workforce in England. This includes measures to boost recruitment, address the reasons why GPs are leaving the profession, and encourage GPs to return to practice. Last year, HEE recruited the highest number of GP trainees ever and the Targeted Enhanced Recruitment Scheme (TERs) is attracting GP trainees to parts of the country where there have been consistent shortages of GP trainees. Over 500 trainees entered the TERs scheme in 2016-2018 and a further 276 places are available in 2019. NHS England has a number of schemes in place to reduce workload and improve working conditions for GPs and to support them to remain in the National Health Service including the GP Retention Scheme, the GP Retention Fund, the GP Health Service and the Releasing Time for Care Programme. NHS England has also committed to further expanding community based multi-disciplinary teams and will provide funding towards up to 20,000 other staff in primary care networks by 2023/24. This builds on the non-GP clinical staff already working in general practice, and will mean bigger teams of staff, providing a wider range of care options for patients and freeing up more time for GPs to focus on those with more complex needs.

NHS Digital Academy

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) Chief Information Officers and (b) Chief Clinical Information Officers there have been in the NHS Digital Academy in each year since its inception.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Since the NHS Digital Academy was initiated in April 2018, nine Chief Information Officers and 24 Chief Clinical Information Officers have formed part of cohort one (April 2018 - April 2019).

NHS: Occupational Health

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the level of funding for wellbeing services for the NHS workforce.

Stephen Hammond: The Department has made no estimate of the overall level of funding for wellbeing services for the National Health Service workforce. Most investments in such services will be by employers locally as they are responsible for staff wellbeing but this is not recorded centrally and is likely to vary from organisation to organisation dependant on their staff needs.

Radiotherapy

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of NHS England’s £130 million funding for the Linear Accelerator programme was spent in (a) 2016-17 (b) 2017-18  (c) 2018-19; what funding his Department plans to allocate to that programme in (i) 2019-20 and (ii) 2020 - 21; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: Since October 2016, the Radiotherapy Modernisation Programme has funded over 80 replacement or upgraded Linear Accelerators (LINACs) and additional networking capability. The breakdown of spend is as follows:- 2016/17 - £35.6 million- 2017/18 - £45.8 million- 2018/19 - £50.4 million The LINACs replacement and upgrade budget for 2018/19 was £45 million. The £50.4 million figure above includes a £468,000 ‘overspend’, covered by the cancer transformation fund, plus radiotherapy networking support, also from the cancer transformation fund. This is detailed in the following table: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust£956,000Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust£632,000South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust£560,000Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust£1,372,000East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust£732,000The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust£600,000Total£4,852,000 Decisions on further funding in future years have not yet been taken and will depend partly on the outcome of the Spending Review later this year.

Radiotherapy

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of cancer patients should have received radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment in 2018.

Steve Brine: This information is not recorded.

Loneliness

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle loneliness.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government published its first strategy to combat loneliness on 15 October 2018, ‘A connected society: A Strategy for tackling loneliness – laying the foundations for change’. The strategy brought together the Government, local government, public services, the voluntary and community sector and businesses to identify opportunities to tackle loneliness and build more integrated communities.

Health: Screening

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to bring the performance of screening programmes in London in line with the rest of England and Wales.

Steve Brine: The National Health Service in London continually strives to bring the best quality screening services to a large, diverse and mobile population. This is demonstrated in the NHS breast screening programme in London where in 2017/18, 272,506 women were screened. While London has the lowest uptake and coverage in the country for breast cancer screening, the NHS is closing the gap. Over the past decade, the proportion of eligible women aged 53-70 screened for breast cancer within three years increased from 63.6% to 69.3% (minimum target 70%) in London; which is in contrast to the slight reduction in screening coverage in England (from 75.9% to 74.9%). Across London, uptake (the proportion of invited women adequately screened for breast cancer within six months of invitation) has fluctuated but is 2.7% higher than it was a decade ago compared to a 2.7% decline across England. The London NHS is implementing evidence-based interventions to improve uptake: appointment reminders sent by text/SMS; pre-invitation letters; second-timed appointments - when a woman does not attend her screening appointment, a second appointment scheduled at a specific date and time is sent. In summer 2019, London will work with practices across London to introduce general practitioner (GP)-endorsed appointment text/SMS reminders, using mobile phone numbers recorded by GPs. In close partnership with the Healthy London Partnership, NHS England (London Region) has been working with several charities to improve participation in breast screening:- Developed a Good Practice Guide for Cancer Screening in Primary Care (endorsed by PHE, Royal College of GPs);- Cancer Research UK primary care facilitators support practices across London improve the early diagnosis of cancer including, increasing cancer screening uptake;- Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust supports practices and women in London; and- MacMillan lead Clinical Commissioning Group Cancer GPs provide leadership and support on cancer diagnosis and management in primary care. Community Links has worked in North Central London, supporting women to attend breast screening.

Health: Screening

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to ensure that databases and IT systems for health screenings are fit for service.

Steve Brine: The Government has already committed an initial £1.8 million to identify and design an immediate replacement for the National Breast Screening System and work is underway to scope out the most appropriate alternative. The Government will also invest £487 million in healthcare technology as part of the National Health Service Long Term Plan to improve patient care and reduce workload on staff. In addition, Professor Sir Mike Richards is leading a major review of national cancer screening programmes as part of the NHS Long Term Plan’s renewed drive to improve care and save lives. The review will look at how latest innovations can be utilised, including the potential use of artificial intelligence, the introduction of new screening technologies and updated IT, integrating research and encouraging more eligible people to be screened. Professor Richards’ review is due to report in summer 2019.

Hospital Beds: Staffordshire

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the number of (a) intermediate care beds and (b) long-term nursing home beds in North Staffordshire hospitals.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government’s policy is clear that patients should not be in acute hospital longer than they need to be. It is for providers, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and local authorities to ensure that they commission intermediate care services adequate to meet the standards of delivery as set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the needs of the local population. North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs are holding a consultation, ‘The Future of Local Health Services’. The consultation focuses on shifting care to out-of-hospital services, with a smaller number of patients being assessed or treated in beds. As part of the Pre-Consultation Business Case, the North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs were taken through a rigorous assurance process by NHS England and the West Midlands Clinical Senate. A key part of this was in relation to the assurance around the baseline number of community beds proposed to deliver the discharge to assess model of care.

Care Homes: Staffordshire

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference the Northern Staffordshire Community Hospitals Consultation, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the quality of care in local nursing homes is maintained.

Caroline Dinenage: Although 83% of adult social care providers are rated as good or outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (as at March 2019), it is completely unacceptable that standards in some settings fall below those rightly expected by care users and their families. The Department is working with the adult social care sector to implement Quality Matters – a shared commitment to take action to achieve high quality adult social care for service users, families, carers and everyone working in the sector. The Green Paper, to be published at the earliest opportunity, will set out our proposals for a sustainable system in the long term and address issues related to the quality of care and variation in practice.

Care Homes: Staffordshire

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Northern Staffordshire community hospitals consultation, whether any existing care homes in Northern Staffordshire could be used to accommodate intermediate care beds.

Caroline Dinenage: All nursing homes in Northern Staffordshire are registered to provide nursing care and could be used to provide intermediate care beds. However, within the Pre-Consultation Business Case (PCBC), the North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups have made clear that the use of care homes for this purpose would be separate from, and over and above, long-term care home provision for residents should this option be taken forward. Within the PCBC, there is an option proposing the use of care home beds, with a clear narrative that outlines how this model would be developed should it be taken forward. The full Pre-Consultation Business Case can be found at the following link: https://www.healthservicesnorthstaffs.nhs.uk/

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients were discharged from University Hospitals of North Midlands into (a) community hospital and (b) care home beds in each week from 2013 to 2018.

Caroline Dinenage: Data is not available in the format requested.

NHS: Voluntary Work

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 41 of the Government's August 2018 Civil Society Strategy, what steps his Department has taken with NHS England to strengthen volunteering within the NHS, spreading impact volunteering opportunities in priority areas across the NHS.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department is committed to working closely with NHS England on delivering the ambitions in the NHS Long Term Plan. The Long Term Plan sets out well designed volunteering initiatives, including a £2.3 million programme to fund Helpforce. The aim of the programme is to build an infrastructure for volunteering in the National Health Service so that it is ready to be adopted at scale across the service and to develop a model of support for all volunteering which operate in NHS settings. Helpforce is working with 12 NHS hospital trusts to develop high-impact volunteer innovations that will be refined and shared to help other trusts in the United Kingdom adopt effective volunteer services.

Radiotherapy

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the new Radiotherapy Operational Delivery Networks announced by NHS England will be funded through the £20.5bn of extra funding announced in 2018.

Steve Brine: NHS England has committed to providing each of the 11 Radiotherapy Operational Delivery Networks with additional resources to support continued delivery of the radiotherapy modernisation programme. This will include resources provided from the £20.5 billion revenue investment into the National Health Service, in particular to support improved use of digital networking, peer review and quality assurance. The NHS Long Term Plan also sets out a commitment to review the national tariff to ensure that appropriate incentives are in place to encourage providers to deliver modern techniques, including hypofractionation, and to upgrade and replace equipment. This work will commence during 2019/20.

Radioisotopes

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on the availability of technetium and krypton generators for nuclear medicine procedures in hospitals.

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport on transporting technetium and krypton generators by air instead of road in the event that the UK leaves the EU without deal; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Hammond: Our number one priority is for patients to continue to have access to medicines, including medical radioisotopes such as krypton and technetium, whatever the European Union exit outcome, and we have robust contingency plans in place. Leaving the EU with a deal remains the Government’s top priority. However, as a responsible Government we must plan for every possible outcome including ‘no deal’. The Department has published guidance to industry and the health and care system to allow them to make informed plans and preparations. This is available on GOV.UK. The Department has worked with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that planes are contracted to bring in medical radioisotopes under the appropriate specialist conditions and suppliers are working closely with the National Health Service to minimise any potential impact of changes to delivery times. We are confident that if everyone does what they need to do, the supply of medicines and other medical products, including medical radioisotopes, will be uninterrupted.

Department for International Development

Overseas Aid

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether it remains her policy to allocate 0.7 per cent Gross National Income to poverty reduction programmes overseas.

Harriett Baldwin: The UK Government is committed to spending 0.7% of GNI as Official Development Assistance each year; a commitment which is enshrined in law. All of 0.7% must meet the ODA rules which means activities have the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as their main objective.

Sexual Offences: Armed Conflict

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what her Department’s priorities are for the upcoming international conference on tackling gender-based violence in humanitarian crises in Oslo; and who will be representing the Government at that conference.

Harriett Baldwin: We are very supportive of the Oslo Conference’s ambition to end sexual and gender based violence in humanitarian crises. We know that all forms of violence against women and girls are exacerbated by conflict and crises. I am appalled by the persisting high levels of violence and agree we need to do more collectively to end it. The UK is proud to be a global leader in efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, FGM, and child marriage. We support the objectives of the Oslo conference to secure increased political commitment to action and would like to see a greater focus on accountability to affected populations. UK senior representation at the Oslo Conference will be confirmed in due course.

Uganda: Education

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to reports in the Indian Ocean Newsletter on 22 February 2019, that the UK Government is seeking to expand the role of British companies providing education services in Uganda, what plans her Department has to provide new funding to UK companies to deliver education services in Uganda; and which organisations and individuals the Minister of State for Africa has met with since January 2019 on this issue.

Penny Mordaunt: There are currently no plans to provide new funding to UK companies to deliver education services in Uganda. The UK Government is supporting more children to access good quality education in primary and secondary schools through a partnership with the Government of Uganda. Since January 2019, the Minister of State for Africa has not met anyone directly related to this issue.

Department for Education

Department of Education: Apprentices

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) proportion of staff employed in each group of his Department that are apprentices.

Anne Milton: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 04 March 2019.The correct answer should have been:

The department currently employs 209 apprentices. This can be broken down into the following groups in the attached table, which also shows the proportion against the total number of employees.Regarding the proportion of apprentices employed at the Institute for Apprenticeships, this is a matter for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. I have asked the Chief Executive, Sir Gerry Berragan, to write to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.Within the Education and Skills Funding Agency, 5 employees working on apprenticeships strategy, policy and delivery are apprentices, which represents 1.6% of the total of 317 employees.  


226124_226125_226126_table_of_apprentices
(Word Document, 60.5 KB)

Anne Milton: The department currently employs 209 apprentices. This can be broken down into the following groups in the attached table, which also shows the proportion against the total number of employees.Regarding the proportion of apprentices employed at the Institute for Apprenticeships, this is a matter for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. I have asked the Chief Executive, Sir Gerry Berragan, to write to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.Within the Education and Skills Funding Agency, 5 employees working on apprenticeships strategy, policy and delivery are apprentices, which represents 1.6% of the total of 317 employees.  


226124_226125_226126_table_of_apprentices
(Word Document, 60.5 KB)

Academies Enterprise Trust: Finance

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2019 to Question 217588, Academies Enterprise Trust: Finance, how much of the £4.5 million provided to date is non-recoverable; and how much of the £3.06 million used for redundancies is non-recoverable.

Nick Gibb: Holding answer received on 04 March 2019



£1.2 million of the £4.5 million provided to the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) was provided as non-recoverable deficit funding. £646,443 of the £3.06 million earmarked for restructuring costs, which will include redundancy payments, was provided as non-recoverable deficit funding. The non-recoverable deficit funding provided has helped stabilise AET’s finances and support its long-term viability. AET is the largest multi-academy trust in the country responsible for over 60 academies and over 33,000 pupils.

Schools: Asbestos

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the level of asbestos in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department started to collect data on asbestos management in schools in 2016. All state-funded schools in England were invited to participate in the voluntary data collection and 25% responded. In February 2017, the findings were published in a report on GOV.UK. Of those taking part, 83% reported that asbestos was present in their school estate. It should be noted, however, that as this was only a proportion of state-funded schools, the responses may not be representative of all schools, The Department launched a second data collection, the Asbestos Management Assurance Process, in March 2018. This was launched to help the Department develop a more comprehensive understanding of asbestos management in the school estate. This data collection has just closed, and responses are being analysed. The Department intends to publish the findings from this report in spring 2019. To help local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts meet their legal duties and manage asbestos effectively, the Department refers to advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Department also published ‘Asbestos Management in Schools’ guidance in February 2017. The HSE advice is clear that if asbestos is unlikely to be damaged or disturbed then it is best managed in situ. Although, the Department is also clear that when asbestos does pose a risk to safety and cannot be effectively managed in situ, it should be removed. Since 2015, the Department has allocated £6 billion to those responsible for school buildings and for essential maintenance and improvements, including removing or encapsulating asbestos when it is the safest course of action to do so. In addition, through the Priority School Building Programme, the Department is rebuilding or refurbishing buildings in the worst condition in over 500 schools across the country. Asbestos was a factor in selecting buildings for the programme.

Educational Psychology: Staff

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 7 January 2019 to Question 203906 on Educational Psychology: Staff, when the results of the evaluation of the Educational Psychology Workforce in England his Department commissioned will be published.

Nadhim Zahawi: The report is currently going through internal quality assurance and we are looking to publish at the end of March.

European University Institute

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of losing access to the network offered by the European University Institute will have on the UK's research capacity.

Chris Skidmore: My officials have met with the European University Institute (EUI) and we have agreed to work together on the future relationship between the UK and the EUI, including options for future participation in EUI activities. UK universities will be able to continue to collaborate with the EUI in research projects even if the UK is no longer a member of the EUI Convention.

Pupil Exclusions: Bedford

Mohammad Yasin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children have been excluded from (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Bedford Borough in each year for which information is available; if he will publish those exclusions by school; how many of those exclusions were permanent exclusions; and what the national average in England is for school exclusions at primary and secondary level.

Nick Gibb: The National Statistics release ‘Permanent and fixed-period exclusions in England 2016 to 2017’ includes information on the number and rate of permanent and fixed period exclusions. The full release is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/permanent-and-fixed-period-exclusions-in-england-2016-to-2017.Information at national level, by local authorities and by schools for each academic year from 2006/07 to 2016/17 is available in the underlying data section of the release.[1] [1] The data can be filtered by the columns “year, “level” and “la_name”.

Schools: Finance

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which local authorities have (a) been granted permission to move (i) up to 0.5 per cent or (ii) in excess of 0.5 per cent of schools block funding to high needs block funding, (b) been denied permission to move schools block funding to high needs block funding and (c) made a request to move schools block funding to high needs block funding but no decision has yet been made; and what criteria his Department uses to determine such applications.

Nick Gibb: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has made his decision in respect of all requests to move funds from the schools block to the high needs block. All schools block movement requests are reviewed against the criteria set out in paragraph 138 of the schools revenue funding operational guide 2019-20 and the disapplication request form.The table below provides information on local authorities that have had: approved requests to move up to 0.5%, approved requests to move in excess of 0.5%, and rejected requests to move block funding.Local Authority0.5% or underover 0.5%DecisionBournemouth, Christchurch and Poole XApprovedBromleyX Not ApprovedBury XApprovedCentral BedfordshireX Not ApprovedDarlington XApprovedDerby XPartially approvedDevonX Not ApprovedDorset XApprovedDudleyX ApprovedDurhamX Not ApprovedEnfield XApprovedEssexX ApprovedHackneyX ApprovedHalton XApprovedHammersmith and Fulham XApprovedHartlepool XApprovedHillingdon XApprovedKent XApprovedKingston upon HullX ApprovedMiddlesbrough XApprovedNorfolk XApprovedNorth Somerset XApprovedNorth Yorkshire XApprovedOxfordshireX ApprovedRichmond upon Thames XApprovedRotherham XApprovedSeftonX ApprovedSomersetX Partially approvedSouth Gloucestershire XPartially approvedSouthwark XPartially approvedSt HelensX Not ApprovedStaffordshireX ApprovedStockton on Tees XApprovedSurreyX ApprovedTorbay XApprovedWaltham ForestX Not ApprovedWest SussexX Not ApprovedWiltshire XApproved X indicates the transfer requested

Special Educational Needs: Finance

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to Answer of 1 March 2019 to Question 224318 on Special Educational Needs: Finance, when plans to launch his Department's call for evidence looking into the financial incentives in the SEND system.

Nadhim Zahawi: We will launch the call for evidence shortly.

Ministry of Justice

Local Government Services: Funerals

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities on the identification of next-of-kin where they assume responsibility for a public health funeral and the deceased has left no will.

Rory Stewart: The Ministry of Justice has not issued guidance to local authorities on this issue.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service: ICT

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to prevent a further HM Courts and Tribunals IT systems failure.

Rory Stewart: A review of the IT issues experienced in January and the resiliency of our core IT systems is currently being conducted by a Ministry of Justice Non-Executive Director and will report to the Permanent Secretary.

Ministry of Justice: Smoking

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which premises controlled by his Department do not have a no-smoking policy.

Rory Stewart: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) operates a smoke-free policy on all MoJ controlled premises, except for open prisons and Immigration Control Centres (IRCs), where detainees can smoke in designated open-air smoking areas. The Health Act 2006 prohibits smoking in the workplace or public enclosed space with a regulatory exemption applied to prisons or places where people may be detained.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many tribunal cases on personal independence payment have taken place in the last 12 months.

Lucy Frazer: Information about the volumes of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) (SSCS) to September 2018, the latest period for which data are available, is published at:www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics Latest figures (to September 2018) indicate that since PIP was introduced, 3.7 million decisions have been made, and of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned at tribunals.

Treasury

UK Asset Resolution

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has conducted of the (a) credentials and (b) status as active mortgage lenders of groups and companies which have purchased former Northern Rock mortgages and loans at sales undertaken by UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) since 2015.

John Glen: For each asset sale UKAR undertakes due diligence on sale participants. Both active and non-active lenders are invited to participate in these sales to ensure a competitive process. Government and UKAR do not discriminate on bidders based on their lender status and, in relation to the latest asset sale, UKAR’s advisors proactively invited the top 25 active lenders to participate. Notwithstanding this, to date, UKAR has not received a bid from an active lender that covers the full portfolio of assets being sold.

Brexit

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will make a comparative assessment of the cost of extending the date for the UK leaving the EU from 29 March 2019 to 30 December 2021.

Elizabeth Truss: We reached a fair financial settlement with the EU, honouring commitments we made during our period of membership, as set out in the draft Withdrawal Agreement in November 2018. As the Prime Minister said in her statement to Parliament, we do not want to see Article 50 extended. By far the best way forward is for Parliament to agree to leave with a deal when we bring the Meaningful Vote back. If Article 50 were to be extended, any adjustments to the financial settlement would be subject to future negotiations.

Crowdfunding

Mrs Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions the Government has had with (a) peer-to-peer lenders and (b) other organisations in the fintech sector on  proposals for regulation of the sector in the Financial Conduct Authority's July 2018 CP18/20 consultation paper.

Mrs Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the international competitiveness of the UK's fintech sector of the Financial Conduct Authority's proposals for regulation of the peer-to-peer lending sector in its July 2018 CP18/20 consultation paper.

Mrs Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions the Government has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the potential effect on the strength of the UK's peer-to-peer lending sector of the proposals on marketing restrictions in the FCA July 2018 CP 18/20 consultation paper.

John Glen: The Government has regular conversations with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending sector and other Fintech organisations on a range of topics, including the FCA’s proposed new rules for P2P lending. The Government has implemented a proportionate, principles based regime for P2P lending that balances the need for consumer protection with allowing the sector to grow and evolve. As the FCA’s CP18/20 makes clear, P2P lending is an increasingly important source of finance for small businesses, and the Government remains supportive of the industry. As the independent conduct regulator for the financial services industry, the FCA is best placed to set the appropriate regulatory requirements for P2P lending. The UK has been independently ranked by EY and Deloitte as the world’s leading hub for Fintech – the best place in the world to start and grow a Fintech firm. The Government is committed to ensuring that it remains the best place in the world for Fintech, and has set out how it intends to do that in the ambitious Fintech Sector Strategy, launched in March 2018.

Guaranteed Minimum Pensions

Alex Sobel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many public sector workers were directly affected by the recent HMRC exercise to reconcile pensions which resulted in overpayments due to changes in the guaranteed minimum pension.

Elizabeth Truss: The Treasury does not hold data on individuals subject to the guaranteed minimum pension (GMP) reconciliation exercise. Departments, local authorities and their scheme managers to whom administration ‎is delegated are responsible for reconciling GMP data with HMRC. Departments and local authorities are responsible for notifying where there‎ have been overpayments. Further information is set out in scheme accounts.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Community Housing Fund

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to extend the Community Housing Fund to 2023; and if he will make a statement.

Kit Malthouse: The Government recognises that the community-led housing sector offers significant potential for helping to meet housing need across England. In addition to helping increase the rate of delivery of new housing, it will help deliver a range of benefits including diversifying the housebuilding sector, improving design and construction quality, developing modern methods of construction, and sustaining local communities and local economies. The support and close involvement of the local community enables the community-led approach to secure planning permission and deliver housing that could not be brought forward through speculative development.The Community Housing Fund is currently scheduled to close in March 2020. While the programme was launched relatively recently, there is still time for many community-led schemes to access funding and deliver housing, although we appreciate that this will be more difficult for very new schemes. Decisions on funding for 2020-21 onwards are a matter for the Spending Review, which will take place this year.

Community Housing Fund

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect on the number of communities (a) bringing forward and (b) completing projects of the length of the period for which the Community Housing Fund is open to them; and if he will make a statement.

Kit Malthouse: The Government recognises that the community-led housing sector offers significant potential for helping to meet housing need across England. In addition to helping increase the rate of delivery of new housing, it will help deliver a range of benefits including diversifying the housebuilding sector, improving design and construction quality, developing modern methods of construction, and sustaining local communities and local economies. The support and close involvement of the local community enables the community-led approach to secure planning permission and deliver housing that could not be brought forward through speculative development.The Community Housing Fund aims to support an increase in housing supply in England by increasing the number of additional homes delivered by the community-led housing sector; to provide housing that is affordable at local income levels and remains so in perpetuity; and to deliver a lasting legacy for the community-led housing sector in the form of an effective and financially self-sustaining body of expertise within the house building industry in England. Through this fund, housing will be delivered where the mainstream market is unable to deliver and will be tailored to meet specific local needs. It will help sustain local communities and local economies and help raise the bar in design and construction standards.The Community Housing Fund is currently scheduled to close in March 2020. While the programme was launched relatively recently, there is still time for many community-led housebuilding schemes to access funding and deliver housing, although we appreciate that this will be more difficult for very new schemes.All proposals to extend the Fund beyond March 2020 will be given due consideration but decisions on funding for 2020-21 onwards are a matter for the Spending Review, which will take place this year. Factors that are likely to be taken into account include the value for money being achieved by the Fund and how successful it has been in increasing the number of community-led housing schemes either completed or in progress.

Derelict Land: South East

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make funding from Homes England available to local authorities in South East England for brownfield regeneration.

Kit Malthouse: While it is for local authorities to plan and bring forward suitable land, our funding programmes, delivered through Homes England, are also supporting brownfield land being brought forward. As of the end of January 2019, in the South East over £247 million of the Home Building Fund Long Term Fund had been spent on contracted schemes which is expected to result in over 16,500 housing units being developed on brownfield land in the region. Other funds will also help to bring forward new housing on brownfield sites, such as our £450 million Accelerated Construction programme and our £5.5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund. The Fund includes up to £866 million of Marginal Viability Funding, of which around £150 million will be used to support more than 25 projects in the South East, which are mostly on brownfield land and will unlock up to 12,000 homes.

Recreation Spaces

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans the Government has to increase the amount of green space in cities.

Kit Malthouse: Our National Planning Policy Framework states that planning policies and decisions should plan positively for the provision of open space, and that a network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities. In addition, through local or neighbourhood plans, communities can identify for protection Local Green Spaces of particular local importance. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has consulted on how a system of biodiversity net gain might be introduced through the planning system, which could also contribute to green space in cities. The responses to that consultation are being considered at present.

Vacant Land

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce building on green field sites.

Kit Malthouse: Last year we revised the National Planning Policy Framework. Its policies place much stronger emphasis on making effective use of land, with authorities expected to make as much use as possible of suitable brownfield and under-used sites, and optimise densities where there is a shortage of land for meeting identified needs. The Framework is supported by permitted development rights to allow appropriate re-use of existing buildings, and the requirement for every authority to publish and maintain a register of brownfield land suitable for housing. The £4.5 billion Home Building Fund provides support for new housing, much of it on brownfield land.

Parish Councils: Coastal Areas

Damien Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the effects of local town councils on coastal communities.

Jake Berry: The Department has not made any assessment of the specific effects of local town councils on coastal communities. However, parish and town councils are a fundamental part of our local democracy, with a key role to play both in representing their communities and improving their quality of life.

Neighbourhood Development Plans

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many areas throughout England have passed Neighbourhood Plans.

Kit Malthouse: While we do not formally monitor the production of neighbourhood plans, our records suggest that over 700 neighbourhood plans have been adopted (made) since 2011.

Stronger Towns Fund

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the methodology used was to calculate English regional shares of Stronger Towns Funds.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what form the Government's needs-based formula to determine the allocation of the Stronger Towns Fund will take.

Jake Berry: £1 billion has been provisionally allocated according to a needs-based formula. This is calculated according to metrics of: income, productivity, deprivation, skills, and the number of people living in towns.

Stronger Towns Fund: Barnsley

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much the Government plans to allocate from its Stronger Towns Fund to Barnsley.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much the Government plans to allocate from its Stronger Towns Fund to towns in South Yorkshire.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Stronger Towns Fund, when the bidding process to determine allocation of the £600 million of Government funding through a bidding process to communities in any part of the country will commence; and who will be eligible to bid for that funding.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Stronger Towns Fund, what criteria his Department plans to use when determining the allocation of the £600 million of Government funding through a bidding process to communities in any part of the country.

Jake Berry: The Stronger Towns Fund prospectus will be published before Summer recess. This will outline the process for how towns can be put forwards for town deals, including the eligibility criteria and the process for the competition.

Third Sector

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 33 of the Government's August 2018 Civil Society Strategy, what steps his Department has taken explore further initiatives based on the learnings from the funding model adopted by the social sector during the Grenfell response.

Kit Malthouse: The voluntary and community sector was vital to the response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, helping those in need at an extremely distressing time and coordinating resources and funding to support those affected.MHCLG worked closely with London Funders and other partners to bring organisations together and work at pace across boundaries, in the interests of the emergency response - stepping outside normal processes, contributing over £1.75 million specifically to support charities and community organisations playing an integral role in the response to the fire.The Government continues to work collaboratively with sector partners to navigate opportunities, as demonstrated by on ongoing work to build socially and economically empowered communities. Our work includes detailed economic assessment of assets in community ownership to get a better understanding of ‘what works’ to support communities; simplified bidding process on the Pocket Parks and the Open Doors programme, and support for the MyCommunity website to sign-post community organisations to a wide range of information and best practice.

Ministry of Defence

Estonia: Military Alliances

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen the UK's defence relationship with Estonia after the UK leaves the EU.

Mark Lancaster: The UK's defence relationship with Estonia is strong and will remain so after the UK leaves the EU. The UK has an enduring commitment to Estonia's security through the deployment of a Battlegroup under NATO's enhanced Forward Presence and our regular commitments to Baltic Air Policing based out of Ӓmari airbase (as the UK is doing so again in 2019). The UK has one of the largest sustained presences within the region, most recently augmented by our deployment of five Apache attack helicopters and three Wildcat helicopters to Estonia; this provides a potent force capability supporting our Allies and strengthening regional deterrence. We will continue to work closely with Estonia on operations, through NATO and as we develop the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force and Northern Group; we have an ambitious and far-reaching force development and training programme in place, and will continue to participate in Estonia's annual series of national defence exercises.

Armed Forces: Deployment

Ronnie Cowan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what (a) reasons and (b) circumstances armed military personnel can be deployed on UK soil.

Mark Lancaster: Armed military personnel may only be deployed on UK soil in exceptional circumstances for example, in response to a military invasion or in support of a Civil Authority or Government Department in accordance with Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA).

Armed Forces: Deployment

Ronnie Cowan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK Parliament has any role on the deployment of armed military personnel on UK soil.

Mark Lancaster: Armed military personnel may only be deployed on UK soil in exceptional circumstances, under the Royal Prerogative or in response to regulations made by Order in Council under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) civilian staff and (b) military personnel based in (i) the UK and (ii) Saudi Arabia were employed on the (A) Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project and (B) Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Project on 1 April 2018.

Stuart Andrew: The number of civilian and military personnel based in the UK and Saudi Arabia who were employed by the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project (SANGCOM) and the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Projects (MODSAP) on 1 April 2018 is shown below. The Saudi Arabian Government reimburses the UK Ministry of Defence for these staff costs and there is, therefore, no cost to the UK taxpayer.Manpower number as at 01 April 2018SANGCOMMODSAPUK-based Civilian Staff266UK-based Military Staff033Saudi-based Civilian Staff5238Saudi-based Military Staff2269

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) expenditure was in the financial year 2017-18 and (b) budget is for 2018-19 for the (i) Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project and (ii) Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Project.

Stuart Andrew: The costs incurred by the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Projects (MODSAP) in financial year 2017-18 amounted to £74.75 million. The budget for financial year 2018-19 is £63.64 million. The costs of MODSAP are met from a management fee received from the Saudi Arabian Government.The costs of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project (SANGCOM) are similarly recovered from the Saudi Arabian Government, but SANGCOM operates under a separate Memorandum of Understanding from MODSAP, under which the details of such recoveries are confidential to the two Governments.

Veterans: Mental Illness and Suicide

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on mental illness and suicide among ex-servicemen and women.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Ministers from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) meet on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the health and wellbeing of Service personnel and veterans, including mental health and suicide.The DHSC and MOD examine the provision of veterans' mental health services on a regular basis. Data and progress of NHS England's Veterans Mental Health Transition Intervention and Liaison Service and Complex Treatment Service is presented to the MOD/UK Departments of Health Partnership Board, Joint Commissioning Group and the Cabinet Office led Covenant Reference Group. Both services are also continually assessed by NHS England. In England, as well as these veteran specific services, veterans are able to access mainstream mental health services. The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies dataset reports annually and data indicates that over 20,000 veterans are utilising this avenue with very positive outcomes, often better than the general population.In England, the National Health Service has announced that an extra £10 million will be invested into a new NHS dedicated crisis service that will expand the current bespoke veteran mental health services and provide intensive support to veterans battling alcohol, drugs and mental health problems, capturing those individuals nearing crisis. The extra funding will also enable a roll out of veteran-friendly general practitioner surgeries and hospitals as part of efforts to make sure those who have served their country get the specialist help they deserve in every part of the health service.Any suicide is one too many and a tragedy for the individual, and their family and friends. The MOD has commissioned a new study to investigate causes of death, including suicide, amongst all those who served in the UK Armed Forces between 2001 and 2014, covering operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This will include personnel who are still in service, and personnel who have now transitioned into civilian life. Previous studies conducted by MOD have shown that the suicide rates for veterans of the 1982 Falklands Campaign and 1990-91 Gulf Conflict were lower than comparative rates in the civilian population.

Defence Equipment: Procurement

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to ensure secure military communications hardware procurement maintains sovereign capability.

Stuart Andrew: Whilst the Ministry of Defence's default approach is for open procurement, which eases interoperability with our international partners, there are a few cases where our objectives are served by specific sector approaches, which help either to deliver value-for-money, operational advantage or national freedom of action. One such sector is the high-grade cryptography required to protect our secure military communications; this creates a sovereign requirement to control cryptographic hardware production, deployment and support.In addition, we continue to take a broader risk-based approach to the provision of military capability, which includes balancing the accessibility of widely used commercial technology, general military technology and bespoke sovereign technology. Consequently, the acquisition strategies for military capabilities are kept under review by the MOD's delivery agencies to ensure that they remain fit for purpose. To safeguard national security, it would not be appropriate to identify publicly further details of the aspects of capabilities we might regard as critical to be maintained in the UK and how we assure them.

Royal Military Police: Recruitment

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of recruitment by the Royal Military Police.

Mark Lancaster: The Royal Military Police has achieved around 80% of its regular soldier and 100% of regular officer recruitment targets in 2017/18 and expect to achieve similar results this year.The Army have in place a comprehensive improvement plan to increase applications to join the Army, including the Royal Military Police. The 2019 'Your Army' marketing campaign has seen over 10,000 people apply to join the Army as Regular soldiers in January alone, with applications at a five-year high.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Territorial Waters

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to patrol UK territorial waters, particularly the North Sea, in advance of the deployment of P-8 aircraft.

Mark Lancaster: In advance of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft coming into frontline service with the RAF, a layered range of complementary assets comprising other surveillance aircraft, including those from Allies, as well as ships and submarines are utilised to fulfil the maritime patrol capability in the waters surrounding the UK and across the North Sea.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of (a) the annual in service cost of the P-8 patrol aircraft and (b) the number of years those aircraft can be expected to remain in service.

Stuart Andrew: Initial support for the RAF P-8A fleet is covered as part of the Foreign Military Sale case for procurement of these aircraft, enabling us to utilise US experience and leverage economies of scale from the existing US Navy support arrangements as we develop our own UK-based support.Work is currently under way to define the requirements for the UK support solution, but I am withholding details of financial estimates as disclosing this information would prejudice our commercial interests.The UK has ordered nine P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and the current planning assumption is that they will have an expected service life of 25 years.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any MOD contractor has loaded weapons on to aircraft since March 2015 in Saudi Arabia.

Stuart Andrew: The Ministry of Defence has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Military Aircraft: Low Flying

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the GIS data used to construct the boundaries of the (a) 18 Low Flying Areas and (b) boundaries for the three Tactical Training Areas in the UK.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Geographical data on the UK Low Flying System is available online at :https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/enr/ENR-5-2.pdfThe UK Low Flying System, which contains the Low Flying Areas and Tactical Training Areas, was developed during the 1960s to manage and deconflict military aircraft activity.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) British military liaison officers and (b) advisers are (i) currently embedded and (ii) have been embedded in organisations in Saudi Arabia in each year since 2015; with which organisations they have been embedded; and how many, at what rank and role, have worked in Saudi Air Operations Centres.

Mark Lancaster: As at 10 February 2019 there were 17 British military staff embedded in organisations in Saudi Arabia; 10 in the British Military Mission to the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG), four in the Royal Navy Liaison Team and three in the Saudi Air Operations Centre. Manning statistics for these personnel since 2015 are as follows: Embedded Organisation 20152016201720182019Saudi National Guard1111111010Royal Saudi Naval Force55544Saudi Air Operations Centre33333 The role of the individuals working in the Saudi Air Operations Centre is to observe Saudi-led coalition (SLC) air operations to help support Saudi compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The UK has provided three military staff (RAF) to the Saudi Air Operations Centre since 2015. These are; one x Squadron Leader, one x Flight Lieutenant and one x Flight Sergeant.

Oman and Singapore: Military Bases

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) facilities, (b) military manpower and (c)civilian manpower are based at (i) the British Defence Singapore Support Unit and (ii) the Joint Logistics Support Base, Duqm, Oman.

Mark Lancaster: The information requested is provided below. British Defence Singapore Support Unit: Port and Fuel facilities, which are made up of three berths and 12 tanks. Five military personnel made up from Joint Forces Command and Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Two civil servants and 21 Locally Employed Contractors. The Joint Logistics Support Base (JLSB), Duqm, Oman: JLSB encompasses the provision of real estate, offices, accommodation and volume services, such as transport, fuel & water. No military personnel are permanently based at JLSB, apart from during the mobilisation and demobilisation phases of exercises. Apart from contractors undertaking routine maintenance and cleaning tasks on behalf of the Port of Duqm company, there are no civilian staff based at JLSB.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answers of 18 July 2017 and 23 July 2018 to Questions 4768 and 163751, how many Armed Forces personnel work as targeting advisers in the HQ of the Royal Saudi Airforce HQ; and whether those personnel remain present during strikes coordinated in that HQ in Yemen.

Mark Lancaster: We have an ongoing defence relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has included the provision of training courses and advice and guidance in the UK and Saudi Arabia, including training on targeting. This helps us support Saudi compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). We also have a very small number of staff working in Saudi headquarters in a liaison capacity only. These personnel are not targeting advisers and have no advance knowledge of Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Department pays the salaries of liaison officers on secondment to Saudi Arabia; and from what budget those payments are made.

Mark Lancaster: Pursuant to my response to the hon. Member's Question 228104 answered today. There are no British Military liaison officers on secondment to Saudi Arabia

Navy: Shipping

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2019 to Question 221002 on Navy: Shipping, what the maximum (a) lifespan is of  newly constructed warships and (b) number of years commercial vessels can have been in service to be considered for military refurbishment.

Stuart Andrew: The maximum lifespan of newly constructed warships is dependent on many factors that are both set in the design phase and vary through the service life of the vessel, and are determined by the capability required.The maximum age of a commercial vessel considered for military refurbishment is also dependent on a number of factors such as design, working life and the capability requirement.

Service Complaints Ombudsman

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve response times within the Service Complaints Ombudsman.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The office of the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces currently has around 140 unallocated applications for investigation for matters of Maladministration and Substance (the oldest case dates back to January 2018). Applications relating to the review of an admissibility decision and undue delay investigations are being considered within target timescales. The Ombudsman has been open and transparent about the backlog of casework and is doing everything possible to reduce it. Most notably, work is ongoing to recruit staff to fill investigator vacancies. Further work is being undertaken to determine the correct level of resource required to not only reduce the backlog but to establish an organisation that can sustain future demand. As well as an external review of processes, to identify where efficiencies may be introduced, a peer review is planned by representatives from external Ombudsman organisations in order to benefit from their experiences. The Ombudsman has made it clear that the quality of investigations undertaken by her office must not suffer as a result of initiatives to reduce the backlog. Applicants are being updated regularly on their case and kept informed of likely timescales.

Armed Forces: Complaints

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the procedure is for addressing complaints raised by black, Asian, minority ethnic and female military personnel.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The purpose of the Service Complaints system is to provide all serving and former Service personnel with a process that is fair, effective and efficient and one, in which they can have confidence to raise matters of concern relating to their Service, and to seek redress. It is the responsibility of all those involved to ensure that complaints are handled confidentially, fairly, promptly and correctly.Once a Service Complaint has been received, the procedures for handling and deciding a complaint are set out in Joint Service Publication (JSP) 831: Redress of Individual Grievances: Service Complaints. This JSP contains the policy and direction on Service Complaints and guidance on the processes involved and best practice to apply.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer  of 22 January 2019 to Question 207274 on Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia, whether the terms of the (a) 1985 and (b) 1986 Al Yamamah MOUs have been replicated in the Saudi British Defence Cooperation Programme.

Stuart Andrew: The Ministry of Defence has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to identify universal credit claimants who need additional support in completing the application for that benefit under managed migration so that vulnerable individuals are not left without an income.

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the recommendations of the Leonard Cheshire disability charity, what processes her Department are putting in place to ensure that after the pilot scheme there is clear, independent evidence that universal credit is accessible for (a) disabled people and (b) people with long term mental health problems before any managed migration begins.

Alok Sharma: Subject to Parliamentary approval, we have sought powers to conduct a pilot exercise to test how best we can move existing legacy benefit claimants onto Universal Credit.The Department is committed to ensuring that all claimants, especially the most vulnerable, are supported as they move and the aim of the pilot is to ensure claimants on all legacy benefits with a range of different characteristics can successfully move onto Universal Credit. All individuals involved in the pilot process will be tracked through the process and there will be safeguards in place to protect them throughout the journey.We are working closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including those who focus on disability and mental health, so that a range of insights are played into the design of the pilot and we will work with partners to ensure we reach everyone in the most effective and supportive way, and that no-one is left behind. Learnings from the pilot will shape the future support we provide to claimants.The Department has committed to reporting its findings from the pilot to Parliament before we continue.

State Retirement Pensions

John McNally: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 4 July 2018 to Question 160779, how many (a) men and (b) women in private sector pensions schemes were contracted-out between 1978-79 and 1987-88; and how many of those (i) men and (ii) women (A) have reached state retirement age since the introduction of the single tier pension and (B) are still to reach state retirement age.

Guy Opperman: Under the old State Pension, there was a basic State Pension, based on the number of years of employment, and an earnings-related element (additional State Pension). From 1978 until April 2016 it was possible for employees and employers to contract-out of the additional State Pension (SERPS and, from 6 April 2002, State Second Pension) on condition that the employer provided a pension of, at least, a statutory minimum. Prior to 1988 contracting-out was restricted to Defined Benefit schemes and there was no individual choice. Until April 2012 it was possible to contract-out by joining a Defined Contribution workplace pension scheme or a personal pension scheme which met certain conditions instead. Contracting-out for salary-related Defined Benefit schemes remained open until 5 April 2016. Contracted-out through a salary-related workplace pension scheme meant that the employee and employer paid lower National Insurance contributions and, in doing so, the employee would receive a lower (or no) additional State Pension. However, they would be receiving a workplace pension instead. An individual’s basic State Pension is not affected. Separate rules apply if an individual is a member of a salary-related pension scheme before 6 April 1997. These rights, known as the Guaranteed Minimum Pension, cannot be taken before age 65 (men) or 60 (women). Contracting-out finally ended on 6 April 2016, and this means that all employees now pay the same rate of NI. The specific information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Employment and Support Allowance: Disqualification

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of employment and support allowance in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK have received a sanction of their benefit in each of the last five years.

Alok Sharma: Sanctions are only used in a small percentage of cases, and that is when people fail to meet their agreed commitments without good reason. When considering whether a sanction is appropriate, a Decision Maker will take all the claimant’s individual circumstances, including any health conditions or disabilities, domestic emergencies and any evidence of good reason, into account before deciding whether a sanction is warranted. The latest Benefit Sanction Statistics (for Great Britain), released in February 2019, show that just 0.03% of ESA claimants in the Work Related Activity Group had a reduction in benefit as a result of a sanction. The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants who have been sanctioned by parliamentary constituency, local authority and region is published at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ Guidance for users is available at: https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Employment and Support Allowance: Disqualification

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of employment and support allowance in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK have disputed a sanction to their benefit in each of the last five years.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of employment and support allowance in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK who have disputed a sanction to their benefit in each of the last five years have had their sanction overturned after they were reconsidered.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of employment and support allowance in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK who have received a sanction to their benefit in each of the last five years have had their sanction overturned following an appeal to a Tribunal.

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of employment and support allowance in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK who have disputed a sanction to their benefit in each of the last five years have had their sanction overturned after they were reconsidered or successful appeals were made.

Alok Sharma: Statistics on Employment and Support Allowance claimants in Great Britain* who have been sanctioned, including information on decision outcome, type, referral reasons and appeals across local authority and region is published and can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html * The Northern Irish Assembly has devolved responsibility for social security benefits. The responsibility for statistics in Northern Ireland lies with the Department for Communities.

Universal Credit

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of new claims for universal credit in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and d) the UK were processed (i) within five weeks, (ii) between five and ten weeks and (iii) in ten weeks or longer in the most recent 12 months for which data are available.

Alok Sharma: The latest official statistics were published on 19 February 2019 and can be accessed on Gov.UK at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/universal-credit-29-april-2013-to-10-january-2019This release provides the latest data on payment timeliness for new Universal Credit claims. Future official statistics will include additional breakdowns of payment timeliness. Longer term we will publish further Universal Credit statistical releases and continue to commission and publish ad-hoc statistical releases.

Employment and Support Allowance: Self-employed

Ross Thomson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support self-employed people who need to claim employment support allowance.

Alok Sharma: We have successfully rolled out Universal Credit in all job centres nationally. Consequently, self-employed people, who have a health condition, can now claim either Universal Credit and/or New Style Employment and Support Allowance. Claimants who are eligible to claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance can do so by calling the Universal Credit helpline to request a claim form or by downloading and printing the form available on Gov.uk. Full details about how to apply (including information requesting forms in alternative formats such as braille) can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-esa Claimants who are not eligible to claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance can claim Universal Credit online. For those unable to access or use digital services, assistance to make and maintain their claim is available via the Freephone Universal Credit helplines. The Universal Credit Service Centre will establish the best means of support available. A home visit can be arranged to support a claimant in making their initial claim and completing any other administrative tasks required to ensure their application is completed. Additionally, to help claimants who may struggle making a claim, Universal Support is available, which is advice, assistance or support to help Universal Credit and New Style Employment and Support Allowance claimants with managing their claim or award. From 1 April 2019 Citizens Advice (England and Wales) and Citizens Advice Scotland will deliver a new “Help to Claim” service to support vulnerable claimants through the process of making a claim.

Universal Credit: Havering

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people migrated to universal credit in Havering in the last 12 months.

Alok Sharma: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to Question 208805 on 23 January 2019.

Unemployment: Ribble Valley

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people were unemployed in Ribble Valley in (a) 2016, (b) 2017 and (c) 2018.

Alok Sharma: Official Statistics, published by the Office for National Statistics and based on the Annual Population Survey, do not provide reliable estimates at this geography, due to the sample size being too small.However, using the Labour Force Survey, the Office for National Statistics estimate the level of unemployment in the North West was 143,000 in the quarter to December 2018. The data shows:A decrease in unemployment of 5,000 on the same quarter of 2017,A decrease in unemployment of 38,000 on the same quarter of 2016.A decrease in unemployment of 152,000 since the quarter to April 2010.

Employment: Ribble Valley

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the employment rate in the Ribble Valley constituency was in each year since 2016.

Alok Sharma: Using the Annual Population Survey, the Office for National Statistics estimate constituency level employment rates at a 95% confidence level between a lower and upper bound. As can be seen in the table below, a reliable trend cannot be identified at this geography, due to the sample size being too small.

Private Rented Housing: Natural Gas

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the number of private landlords who do not conduct annual gas safety inspections; and if she will make a statement.

Sarah Newton: Landlords are required by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to maintain their gas installations in a safe condition and to arrange annual safety checks, by Gas Safe registered engineers, of any appliances and flues that they provide for their tenants’ use. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) takes action against landlords who fail to meet this duty in line with the domestic gas events and enforcement advice (http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/ocs/400-499/440_30.htm) and HSE’s enforcement policy statement and enforcement management model (http://www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/enforcement.htm) which is proportionate, targeted, consistent, transparent and accountable.

Pension Credit

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether there are any pensioners entitled to pensions credit who are not in receipt of that benefit.

Guy Opperman: Official statistics on the take-up of income related benefits, including Pension Credit, can be found in the ‘Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up in 2016 to 2017’ publication which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/income-related-benefits-estimates-of-take-up-financial-year-2016-to-2017

Bereavement Support Payment

Marion Fellows: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason her Department does not pay bereavement support to widows and widowers where tacit consent to marriage with their former partner was not given but where the material circumstances of their relationship were the same as those of a married couple.

Justin Tomlinson: Marriage and civil partnerships are legal contracts that are associated with certain rights, including inheritance, recognition in the tax system and entitlement to certain benefits. A key principle of the National Insurance system is that all rights to benefits derived from another person’s contributions, such as bereavement benefits, are based on the concept of legal marriage or civil partnership. Under Scottish law, in certain circumstances, a person can be classed as married by cohabitation with habit and repute. Marriage by habit and repute was abolished for new relationships in 2006 by the Family Law (Scotland) Act. Marriages deemed to have been constituted prior to the 4 May 2006 are still recognised as such for benefit purposes.

Department for Work and Pensions: Sick Leave

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has a fixed-length absence limit for staff on sick leave.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department for Work and Pensions does not have, nor had at any time, a fixed-length absence limit for staff on sick leave.

Universal Credit: Terminal Illnesses

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for each year since 2016-17, how many universal credit full service claimants submitted a DS1500 form to access universal credit under the special rules for terminal illness; and how many of those applications were (a) accepted and (b) rejected.

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of DS1500 forms issued to claimants of universal credit were not returned to the Department in each year since 2016-17.

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applicants that were refused access to the universal credit special rules for terminal illness died within six months of that refusal in each year since 2016-17.

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what consultation with stakeholders his Department undertook in advance of its decision to include a reasonable expectation of death within six months provision as a requirement for the issue of a DS1500 form.

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the effect on claimant wellbeing of the requirement to (a) declare a terminal illness and (b) declare a prognosis at the outset of a universal credit claim, as a precursor to accessing the special rules for terminal illness.

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support her Department has in place for claimants who have a terminal illness but have not declared this at the outset of their universal credit claim.

Sarah Newton: We take terminal illness very seriously and treat people in such circumstances with the upmost speed and sensitivity. Our process for supporting people who have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less has been designed specifically to enable decisions to be fast tracked at all stages. Where we receive a correctly completed form DS1500, the decision that a person has limited capability for work and work related activity is normally made within a few days. The DS1500 is not a claim form and its use in providing evidential support for claims from people who are terminally ill claiming benefit is not obligatory. GPs, Consultants and specialist nurses have direct access to the blank DS1500 report and either send the completed report to DWP or give it to the claimant or their representative. The special rules applying to people who are terminally ill, including the reasonable expectation of death within 6-month rule, were first introduced in 1990 for Attendance Allowance following a recommendation from the Social Security Advisory Committee. The rules are common to a range of benefits and are also used elsewhere, for example the Early Access to Financial Assistance Scheme, administered by the Pension Protection Fund. The design of Universal Credit for terminally ill claimants is based on this well tested process. This is not a separate entitlement; this is part of the Universal Credit process, and as such we do not hold the requested data. The Universal Credit Programme is considering what management information and data will be published. The Department and the Universal Credit Programme have regular meetings with key stakeholders to understand how our policies are working and discuss potential areas for improvement. We will continue to keep procedures under review to ensure that they work as effectively as possible. Universal Credit provides enhanced personalised support. All claimants, including terminally ill patients, receive continuous tailored support managed through personal work coaches, who know each person. Claimants have several options for how they would like to progress their claim, and we will support them in the most sensitive way possible. For example, if they would rather not continue submitting information online, our Jobcentre staff can either telephone or visit them, to provide support in making their initial claim and completing any other administrative tasks required to ensure that they receive the correct payment. If a claimant does not want to tell us about their condition themselves, then they can appoint a representative, such as a relative, friend, doctor or charitable organisation to let us know on their behalf. We accept information directly from claimant representatives, such as claimant appointees or third party organisations representing the claimant, as well as details supplied to DWP Universal Credit partnership managers or external engagement officials.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Rural Areas: Finance

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to replace EU funding for rural communities when the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Defra is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to develop the ways the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will support the rural economy after we leave the EU, taking into account the needs of rural businesses and communities. The Government intends to consult widely on the design of the fund. Decisions on how the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will operate, its priorities and quantum will be determined at the forthcoming spending review.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Beverage Containers

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to introduce (a) 25p per coffee cup surcharge, (b) bottle deposit scheme and (c) refillable water bottle policy.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government recognises the problems caused by disposable cups, which are difficult to recycle and often littered. At Budget 2018, the Government concluded that a levy on all cups would not at this point deliver a decisive shift from disposable cups to reusable cups across all beverage types. The Government expects industry to go further in taking action on disposable plastic cups and will return to the issue if sufficient progress is not made. In the meantime, the Government is considering the case for reducing the environmental impact of disposable cups within a reformed packaging producer responsibility system and a potential deposit return scheme (DRS), which we are currently inviting views on through consultation. The DRS consultation is being undertaken jointly by the UK and Welsh Governments, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The consultation was launched on 18 February and will close on 13 May. The aim of a DRS is that it is easy for consumers to return drinks containers (such as plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans, and glass bottles), reduce litter and increase recycling rates of drinks containers within the scope of a DRS. The Government recognises the importance of making drinking water more readily available in public places, as a means of reducing single use plastic bottles. As laid out in the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Resources and Waste Strategy, we are already taking action in this area. The Government has encouraged transit hub operators, including Network Rail and airports, to install free water fountains to support refilling water bottles. The water industry is supporting the Refill campaign, which is managed by City to Sea. We are pleased to see new refill points being installed in every major city and town in England. There are now over 14,000 refill points on City to Sea’s free Refill app, and they aim to double this by 2020.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Staff

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many staff have been employed by his Department in each month since June 2016.

David Rutley: The information relating to staff numbers can be found in the Monthly Workforce Management Information Reports here: https://data.gov.uk/dataset/9fb1ed1f-00c9-421b-ab18-c30c14559681/workforce-management-information-defra

Pollinators: Conservation

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reverse the decline of pollinators.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The National Pollinator Strategy is a 10 year plan published in November 2014, developed following a thorough review of the evidence base and wide consultation. It sets out how the Government, conservation groups, farmers, beekeepers and researchers can work together to improve the status of the 1,500 or so pollinating insect species in England. On farmland, since 2011, over 130,000 hectares in England have been set aside to create new wildlife-rich habitat, largely through our agri-environment schemes. In 2015 we also introduced new and simple agri-environment ‘packages’ to make it easier for farmers to provide flower-rich margins or pollen and nectar plots on fields to support wild pollinators. Natural England, our statutory nature conservation adviser, continues to work with a range of landowning and NGO partners to support the recovery of threatened species such as the barberry carpet moth, short-haired bumblebee and chequered skipper butterfly. We are supporting science-led restrictions on neonicotinoids based on scientific evidence that they carry risks to pollinators. We also continue to tackle threats from invasive species, such as the Asian hornet, and protect honey bees from pests and diseases through a nationwide team of bee inspectors. We gather data on the status of pollinators through a UK-wide pollinator monitoring and research partnership, established in collaboration with research institutes and volunteer organisations. The Government’s indicators of the abundance of UK butterflies show long-term declines since 1976 but no significant change since 2012. Our indicator of pollinating insects in the UK tells a similar story: overall distribution has declined since 1980 but has stabilised in recent years. We are keeping these trends under review as encouraging but not yet definitive signs of progress. The research evidence base on pollinators and pollination is constantly improving and we keep this under review through our advisory groups. The 25 Year Environment Plan commits to improving the status of insects. We will continue to work in partnership with scientists and practitioners for future generations to inherit a better environment.

Fishing Vessels: Northern Ireland

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions have taken place between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland to resolve the issue of the two Northern Irish fishing vessels seized by the Irish Navy on 26 February 2019.

Mr Robert Goodwill: On 26 February, two Northern Ireland fishing vessels were detained in Dundalk Bay. The skippers of the boats appeared in court on 1 March. They have since been released without conviction and the boats returned. The Voisinage Arrangement between the UK and Ireland provides for reciprocal access to fish in the 0-6nm zone. However, the arrangement has been suspended by Ireland following a decision by the Irish Supreme Court in 2016. As a result, fishing by Northern Ireland vessels within Ireland’s 0-6nm zone is currently not permitted. The UK has continued to respect the arrangement but cannot allow this unequal treatment to continue indefinitely. The UK Government has made numerous representations to the Irish Government since 2016 to push for the reinstatement of the arrangement as soon as possible. Following the seizure of the two vessels, the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, committed on 1 March to changing the law to restore the status quo to what it was before 2016, and has indicated that he is confident the legislation can be passed quickly. Government officials are seeking confirmation from the Irish Government of the timetable for this.

Reindeer: Imports

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in which month of 2018 the consignment of 31 reindeer was imported from Finland; who made the decision to permit the import of the reindeer; and whether the animals’ welfare was taken into account as part of that decision.

David Rutley: An Intra-Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) was issued in February 2018 for the import of 31 reindeer from Finland to the United Kingdom. The decision to permit the import would have been made by the certifying vet attesting that the animals to be imported complied with the health conditions of Article 4 of Council Directive 92/65/EEC on the ITAHC. The certifying vet would also have attested that the animals were transported in accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport.

Home Office

Drugs: Misuse

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the legal basis is under which local authorities may establish drug consumption rooms.

Victoria Atkins: There is no legal framework for the provision of drug consumption rooms in the UK and we have no plans to introduce them. For drug consumption rooms to operate it means allowing dealers to sell the most harmful drugs to users in our neighbourhoods. We are not prepared to sanction or condone activity that promotes the illcit drugs trade and the harms that illicit trade causes to individuals and communities.A range of offences are likely to be committed in the operation of drug consumption rooms. It is for local police forces to enforce the law in such circumstances and, as with other offences of this type, we would expect them to do soThe UK's approach on drugs remains clear - we must prevent drug use in our communities and support people dependent on drugs through treatment and recovery.

Police: Pensions

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance he has given to Police and Crime Commissioners on the use of (a) reserves and (b) deficit budgets for the purposes of providing for pension costs.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office has established a working group with representatives of Police and Crime Commissioners and forces to determine the best way to manage the potential impact of increased pensions costsThe Budget made clear that part of these costs will be met from the Treasury Reserve in 2019/20. As the Chancellor set out in his speech, the Home Secretary will review police spending power ahead of the 2019/20 provisional police funding settlement which is expected to be published next month

Coroners: Legal Costs

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what his Department's annual spending was on legal representation for police forces and police staff at inquests relating to people who have died during or following police contact in the last five years for which information is available.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office has not provided funding to forces to cover legal costs relating to deaths during or after police contact.

Immigrants: EU Nationals

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have participated in the pilots for the EU Settlement scheme.

Caroline Nokes: 1053 applications were made during Private Beta 1, which proved key elements of the EU Settlement Scheme application process.Further information on this is found on the PB1 final report:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752872/181031_PB1_Report_Final.pdf29,987 applications were made during Private Beta 2, further information on this can be found on the PB2 final report linked below:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-private-beta-2

Borders: Northern Ireland

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment the Government has made of the potential additional cost of policing the Northern Irish border in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

Mr Nick Hurd: Across Government we are working closely with operational partners on contingency planning so we can ensure the safety and security of our citizens in all scenarios.On 18 December, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury announced that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) would receive an additional £16.48m for financial year 2019-20 to support their planning for EU-exit.This funding will help the PSNI manage pressures and contingencies arising from EU exit preparations which fall in the 2019/20 financial year, reflecting the specific and unique concerns in Northern Ireland.

Police: Military Aid

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department has had discussions with the National Police Co-ordination Centre on the circumstances in which military assistance will be required to support policing operations in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Nick Hurd: My officials in the Home Office are working closely with the National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPoCC) and with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to determine the impact of EU Exit on policing and plan accordingly. Any requirements for mutual aid or other support will be considered within that contingency planning. We will work with both policing partners and the Ministry of Defence to clarify any precise requirement for military support.It is entirely responsible and appropriate that we prepare for every eventuality and we will continue to work closely with our partners on contingency planning to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

Firearms and Knives: Crime

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of gun and knife offences in Merseyside in each of the last five years.

Mr Nick Hurd: Statistics on firearm offences and knife offences for the requested period are set out in the attached tables.September 2018, compared to an 8% increase in England and Wales as a whole. Since 2013/14, knife offences in Merseyside have increased by 43%, compared to a 61% increase in England and Wales over the same period.Police recorded crime data show that firearm offences (excluding air weapons) in Merseyside increased by 8% in the year to March 2018, a larger increase than for England Wales as a whole. The data show a negligible decrease (-0.9%) since 2013/14, opposed to a 34% increase for England and Wales over the same period.The Government is very concerned about increases in knife crime and gun crime nationally, and its impact on victims, families and communities. The action we are taking is set out in our Serious Violence Strategy and includes new legislation in the Offensive Weapons Bill and continuing police action on knife crime under Operation Sceptre. The Strategy includes a strong focus on prevention and early intervention to stop young people being drawn into violent crime.We are supporting early intervention and prevention with children and young people through the Early Intervention Youth Fund of £22 million, which is already supporting 29 projects across England and Wales. Over £17 million has already been allocated to projects delivering interventions to young people at risk of criminal involvement, gang exploitation and county lines. For example, a total of £700,000 has been awarded to an early intervention programme in Merseyside, involving a joint partnership between Everton in the Community, The Liverpool Foundation, the Princes Trust and The Shrewsbury House Youth Club. We are also supporting 68 small community projects this year through £1.5 million from the anti-knife crime Community Fund, of which four are in Merseyside.



Knife and Firearms Offences Stats - Tables 
(Excel SpreadSheet, 87.36 KB)

Travellers: Caravan Sites

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when will he bring forward legislative proposals to introduce a new offence of intentional trespass to tackle unlawful traveller encampments.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Secretary announced on 6 February that the Home Office will conduct a review into how to criminalise the act of trespassing when setting up an unauthorised encampment. This review is under way and evidence is being gathered, working closely with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Ministry of Justice.

Police Community Support Officers

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the effect of trends in the level of Police Community Support Officers on incidences of crime in (a) Liverpool and (b) England in each of the last five years.

Mr Nick Hurd: No assessment has been made of the effect of trends in the level of Police Community Support Officers on incidences of crime.The police have always been operationally independent of Government. Decisions about frontline policing, and how resources are best deployed, are for Chief Constables and democratically accountable Police and Crime Commissioners. They are best placed to make decisions with their communities based on their local knowledge and experience.

Police: Pensions

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate he has made of the additional cost to police forces in 2020-21 of employer contributions to the police pension scheme.

Mr Nick Hurd: The additional cost to policing in 2019-20 of employer contributions to police pensions is estimated to be £330 million.The 2019/20 police funding settlement provides additional funding of up to £970 million, including general Government grant funding, pensions grant, council tax precept and investment in national priorities. This substantial in-crease in funding will enable forces to meet their genuine financial pressures as well as to invest in key capabilities.Decisions on funding for future years are a matter for the 2019 Spending Review.

Police: Bureaucracy

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much and what proportion of a police officer's time is spent on paperwork.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office does not hold centrally the information requested.

Immigration

Mr Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department,  what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the recommendation of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants that the Government grant all (a) EEA and (b) Swiss nationals and family members resident in the UK the automatic right to remain.

Caroline Nokes: We have considered carefully the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme and its implications for EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, including whether we should automatically grant leave to remain. However, this would create ongoing confusion amongst EEA and Swiss citizens, their family members, employers and service providers as to their rights to remain in the UK and access benefits and services.Requiring EEA and Swiss nationals to apply for and receive a status via the EU Settlement Scheme is key to ensuring life continues smoothly for them in the future. This will become particularly important when we move into the future immigration system as the resident population will need to be able to distinguish themselves from those who may have different rights.

Immigrants: Children

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2019 to Question 222020, how many migrant families were supported by local authorities under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17, (c) 2017-18.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Office does not hold information centrally on how many migrant families were supported by local authorities under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

Immigrants

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2019 to Question 222021, how many changes of circumstance applications to gain recourse to public funds were granted by his Department in 2015-16.

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2019 to Question 222021, how many changes of circumstance applications to gain recourse to public funds were granted by his Department in 2016-17.

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2019 to Question 222021, how many changes of circumstance applications to gain recourse to public funds were granted by his Department in 2017-18.

Caroline Nokes: These statistics are not included in Governments published migration statistics. The Government has no current plans to collect and collate the statistics in the manner requested as it would incur disproportionate cost to the public purse.

Overseas Students: EEA Nationals

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2019 to Question 225480, whether international students would be guaranteed a student visa under the new immigration system once their European Temporary Leave to Remain runs out, provided they pass an additional criminality check, without additional cost or administrative burden.

Caroline Nokes: The Government has been clear that there is no limit on the number of genuine international students who can come to study in the UK and there is no intention to impose one.An EEA national who has been studying in the UK prior to applying for a visa or leave to remain for the purposes of study will be able to do so either under the current Tier 4 route or under the future system. There is no rea-son they should be unable to obtain such permission provided that they meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules at that time.

Cabinet Office

Disinformation

Damien Moore: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of the extent to which hybrid warfare is being used as a tool to interfere with public opinion.

Mr David Lidington: We know that certain states routinely use hybrid warfare, disinformation, ‘bots’ and hacking as foreign policy tools. It’s not surprising that they should try to influence the UK to further their own agendas. There is no evidence of successful interference, but the UK is not complacent to this threat. We are actively monitoring to identify and understand disinformation campaigns, and are taking action to ensure our democracy remains secure.

Electoral Register

Cat Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2019 to Question, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring the compatibility of registration officers’ systems for managing registration data between local authority areas.

Chloe Smith: The Government has no immediate plans to assess the potential merits of requiring the compatibility of registration officers’ systems for managing registration data between local authority areas. All registration officers’ systems have compatibility with the Individual Electoral Registration Digital Service (IERDS), which allows Electoral Registration Officers to notify other officers of moved electors, as well as other functionalities. Cabinet Office officials are, however, working on a continual basis to ensure all necessary improvements are made to the IERDS to ensure it serves the needs of local Electoral Registration Officers.

Brexit

Layla Moran: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate the Government has made of the cost to the public purse of (a) billboards and (b) other physical advertisements on how the public should prepare for the UK leaving the EU.

Mr David Lidington: The Cabinet Office is leading and coordinating the cross-departmental Prepare for EU Exit public information campaign to help fulfil the Government’s duty to inform citizens and businesses about how leaving the EU might affect them, and to advise them on the steps they may need to take to prepare. In the coming weeks and months, we plan to use a range of paid-for and no-cost channels to direct citizens and businesses to a dedicated area on GOV.UK at Gov.uk/euexit. The Cabinet Office has undertaken to publish information relating to ongoing expenditure on the public information campaign as part of the department’s regular data transparency releases. The latest release (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-spend-data) showed that as of 31 December 2018, expenditure relating to this campaign totalled £300,000. In conjunction, Cabinet Office will disclose full costs regarding the Out of Home advertising strand as part of these data sets in due course.

Department for International Trade

Israel: Trade Agreements

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the announcement, UK and Israel sign trade continuity agreement, published by his Department on 18 February 2019, whether the provisions of that agreement will extend to Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

George Hollingbery: The UK and Israel have a strong and important trading relationship. However, we do not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the settlements, as part of Israel. We sought to ensure continuity in our trading relationship, not to renegotiate terms. The OPTs are not covered by the current EU-Israel Trade Agreements, nor by the UK-Israel Agreement. On 18th February 2019, we also signed an agreement with the Palestinian Authority, which transitions the current EU Interim Association Agreement. The agreements have now been laid in Parliament and published on gov.uk, alongside a full report.

Electronic Commerce: India

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment has he made of the effect on businesses of the new rules in India preventing online retailers from selling products through vendors in which they hold an equity stake.

George Hollingbery: The UK is a strong supporter of modern and ambitious digital trade policy. The Digital economy, and e-commerce in particular are important drivers of wider economic growth. The UK believes in ensuring that all countries are able to access the benefits that e-Commerce can offer, and that this is crucial for alleviating poverty by contributing to a truly inclusive global trading system. The UK will continue to support this objective in India, to help ensure a genuine level playing field for all UK businesses and support companies that have growing ambitions in this sector.

Trade Agreements: Human Rights

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether his Department makes assessments of countries' human rights records when negotiating trade deals with those countries.

George Hollingbery: The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and we are committed to upholding the UK’s high standards as we leave the EU, including on human rights. For our continuity trade agreements, we are seeking to continue the effect of the EU’s current approach. As we move forward to establish our approach for future trade agreements we are continuing to assess options to further our human rights agenda taking account of responses to the Government consultations.

Free Trade: Eswatini

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent steps he has taken to promote free trade with Swaziland after the UK leaves the EU.

George Hollingbery: As the UK exits the EU, we are seeking to replicate the effects of the EU’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique (SACU+M), which includes Eswatini (Swaziland), as soon as possible. EPAs aim to promote increased trade and investment, supporting sustainable growth and poverty reduction. As the Prime Minister set out during her visit to Africa last Summer, the Government is committed to seeing a step change in our relationship with Africa in order to drive forward trade and investment. The Prime Minister also announced that the UK will launch a new Prosperity Fund programme of up to £8 million that will support implementation of the transitioned EPA. The funding will aim to increase trade with and within Southern Africa by helping to remove barriers to trade, and in doing so expand import and export opportunities for UK and African businesses. Officials are consulting with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and other countries in the region about the design of the programme.

Free Trade: Vietnam

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department has taken to promote free trade with Vietnam after the UK leaves the EU.

George Hollingbery: As Baroness Fairhead stated in October 2018 during the 45th anniversary of UK-Vietnam diplomatic relations celebrations, there are very real opportunities for UK businesses in Vietnam.As an EU Member State, the UK continues to support EU trade policy including Free Trade Agreements such as the EU-Vietnam FTA. The UK Government is also committed to ensuring these prospective benefits are maintained as we leave the EU. Once signed, the UK is seeking to replicate the effects of the EU-Vietnam FTA into a bilateral agreement and has also completed public consultations on its potential accession to CPTPP, of which Vietnam is a member.

Free Trade

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps he is taking to promote reform of the World Trade Organisation and free trade after the UK leaves the EU.

George Hollingbery: I refer my Hon. Friend for Romford to the answer I gave him on 26 February 2019 UIN: 224481.

Trade Agreements: USA

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the US Administration on food standards in relation to a future trade deal after the UK leaves the EU.

George Hollingbery: Whilst we cannot negotiate any trade agreements before leaving the EU, the Government has made it clear that any future deal with the US must work for UK consumers, farmers and food manufacturers as well as protecting the UK’s high standards of food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.

Fossil Fuels: Export Credit Guarantees

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the amount of additional carbon dioxide that has been emitted in each of the last five years as a result of UK Export Finance funding for fossil fuel projects overseas.

George Hollingbery: UK Export Finance (UKEF) reports estimated operational greenhouse gas emissions through its website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukef-environmental-social-and-human-rights-risk-management). UKEF reports this for all projects it supports which fall under the OECD Recommendation on Common Approaches and Social and Environmental Due Diligence and where operational phase annual greenhouse gas emissions are calculated to exceed 25,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Trade Agreements: USA

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether a free trade deal with the United States is a priority for his Department.

George Hollingbery: Once we have left the EU, negotiating an ambitious free trade agreement with the United States that maintains our high standards for businesses, workers and consumers is a high priority. The United States is our largest trading partner outside of the EU, responsible for a fifth of all UK exports and is the single biggest source of inward investment into the UK. A potential free trade agreement between our two countries presents an important opportunity to deepen our already strong bilateral relationship. We have completed a 14-week public consultation on a future FTA with the US and will respond in due course.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Broadband: Rural Areas

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to announce the next steps for the Rural Gigabit Connnectivity programme.

Margot James: The £200 million Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme, announced in Budget 2018, will trial a model for full fibre to public buildings - starting with primary schools - which will act as hubs in rural areas, alongside vouchers for funding gigabit-capable connectivity to homes and businesses across the UK. An announcement on the launch of the programme will take place in Spring 2019.

Broadband: Rural Areas

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what progress his Department has made on its plans for an outside-in strategy to build full-fibre networks in rural areas.

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what funding his Department has allocated to subsidise full-fibre networks in rural areas.

Margot James: Work has already started to build full fibre networks in rural areas, with up to £700 million allocated by Government for rollout up until the end of 2021. The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review identified that around 10% of premises would not get full fibre commercially by 2033, largely in rural and remote areas. To reach the Government’s targets for nationwide full fibre coverage by 2033, these areas will require additional funding of around £3 billion to support investment, ensuring delivery in the final 10% occurs alongside commercial rollout. Funding already committed to these areas includes around £200 million from the BDUK Superfast programme, which is building on the 96% superfast coverage in the UK, and now rolling out full fibre connections. The Local Full Fibre Networks programme (LFFN) is designed to stimulate commercial investment in full fibre networks in both rural and urban locations across the whole of the UK. LFFN will have invested almost £300 million across the UK by the end of the programme in 2021. At Budget 2018, a further £200 million was allocated from the National Productivity Investment Fund, for the 2 year Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme starting in April 2019. Longer-term options for funding rural connectivity under the Outside-In approach will be determined as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.

Arts: West Midlands

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps he has to support the arts in the West Midlands.

Michael Ellis: Over the last 18 months, Arts Council England (ACE) has invested over £87 million into arts projects and organisations in the West Midlands. This has included £5 million to develop the Dance Hub Birmingham, with £3 million for the creation of a production and administrative space, and the remaining £2 million supporting additional dance activity, firmly placing Birmingham on the map as a national and international centre for dance. ACE has also invested £5 million of National Lottery Funding in Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, which will support the Coventry City of Culture Trust in delivering a year of cultural events and celebrations across the city.

Third Sector

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to page 37 of the Government's August 2018 Civil Society Strategy, what progress has been made on his Department's target of training a further 3,500 people in community organising through a national network of Social Action Hubs and partnerships with public and social sector organisations by 2020.

Mims Davies: Government is fully committed to the Civil Society Strategy: it is the beginning of an ambitious, evolving work programme to help build a strong society. Following the success of the Community Organisers Programme (2011-2015), we launched the Community Organisers Expansion Programme in early 2017 to train 3,500 more individuals, across England, by March 2020. By March 2019, 2,000 people have been trained in community organising through a variety of routes; via 20 Social Action Hubs (grass roots organisations developing local practice of community organising and social action), public sector training courses, and partnerships with organisations including Local Trust, NALC, Neighbourhood Watch, and the National Citizen Service.

Third Sector

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to page 41 of the Government's August 2018 Civil Society Strategy, what steps his Department has taken to further embed and scale people taking action as a core part of how public services are delivered and explore how the government can best continue to back and scale high impact social value initiatives.

Mims Davies: The government is investing £7.5m in innovative social action projects, including early years interventions, support for savers, and initiatives that help people to volunteer throughout the lifecourse. We are also supporting local authorities to embed social action in the way they deliver their services. We have reached over 900 commissioners, civil society organisations and councillors across the country through our Enabling Social Action Programme. In February, we announced the ten places who will receive a share of £2.3 million to devise programmes that enable people to take action on the issues they care about.